Assisting Victims of Railroad Crossing Accidents in the Greater San Francisco Area
Railroad tracks and the roadways that cross them can be extremely dangerous areas to operate a motor vehicle. The force with which a train collides with a car or truck is much like that of a car crushing a tin can. At the very least, San Francisco railroad crossing collisions can result in serious injuries. At their worst, these accidents can lead to fatalities.
In many instances, railroad crossing collisions that involve a train and a motor vehicle occur because of negligence on the part of the railroad. Railroads owe motor vehicle drivers an affirmative duty to ensure that grade crossing located on the railway line is properly maintained and equipped with the proper safety and traffic control devices. Railroads are also responsible for ensuring that these traffic control devices are in the proper working order at all times. When railroads violate these duties of care, the accident victim – or the accident victim’s surviving loved ones, in the case of a fatality – could pursue a claim or lawsuit against the railroad for damages.
If you or a person you love has suffered an injury or fatality in a railroad crossing accident, the experienced team of San Francisco railroad crossing accident and injury lawyers at The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. can explore your legal options with you. We will be able to determine your eligibility for filing a personal injury claim and will work to help you recover the compensation that you need. Please speak with us today to learn more about how we could pursue a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault railroad (or the railroad’s insurance company) seeking the compensation and damages that you deserve.
Common Railroad Crossing Defects that Lead to Accidents
Railroads are responsible for maintaining railroad crossings for the benefit of motor vehicle operators. Occurrences that can lead to serious accidents and injuries at grade crossings include the following:
- Malfunctioning crossing signals and gates that fail to operate/lower when a train is approaching the grade crossing
- Malfunctioning traffic signals that do not stop traffic at a grade crossing intersection when a train is approaching
- Train operators going too fast through the grade crossing, causing the train to jump the track or derail
- Defectively maintained or repaired grade crossings (such as where the grade crossing is not properly paved or flattened, causing a motorcyclist or bicyclist to fall off his/her bike)
Common Injuries and Potential Damages in Railroad Crossing Accidents
Railroad crossing accidents can lead to serious and permanent injuries – and sometimes death. Common injuries include traumatic head and brain injuries, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and spinal cord damage. If you are able to prove that the railroad’s negligence caused or contributed to your accident, you could recover money damages for your medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Talk to an Experienced San Francisco Railroad Crossing Accidents and Injuries Lawyer
At The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we can assist you with every aspect of your railroad crossing accident claim or lawsuit. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a San Francisco railroad crossing accidents and injuries attorney, please call us at (415) 851-6486 or contact us online today.
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