East Brunswick Train Accident Attorney

Trains represent a serious hazard to pedestrians and those in passenger vehicles. Even though trains operate along particular sets of tracks, they can still be deceptively fast and are involved in many serious collisions every year. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 954 in 2022, an 11% increase from the 2021 revised total of 859 and the highest since 2007. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,252, a 6% increase from the 2021 revised total of 5,882.” The majority of train accidents take place at unprotected crossings.

Train accidents may occur for a variety of different reasons including human error, mechanical failures, or inadequate safety measures. Regardless of why any train accident takes place, the aftermath can be devastating for both individuals and families. The East Brunswick train accident attorneys at Beninato & Matrafajlo are committed to helping victims of these accidents get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Our legal team can evaluate the unique facts of your case free of charge and let you know if you have a claim that can be pursued. You can reach out to us anytime at 908-248-4404.

Different Types of Train Accidents

Within the state of New Jersey, there are a variety of different companies and municipalities that operate trains. This includes New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson), SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson), and several others. These trains regularly move through densely populated areas, and accidents involving trains can come in a variety of different forms.

• Speeding: Trains have speed limits in much the same way that vehicles do. Exceeding these speed limits puts pedestrians, drivers, and others along train tracks at risk. Speeding also makes derailments much more likely to occur if a train is traveling along a curve in the tracks.
• Human Errors: Mistakes made by train conductors regularly contribute to accidents. This could include instances where train operators fail to communicate with train dispatchers.
• Mechanical Failures: Trains are complex pieces of machinery that require regular maintenance. When a train is not well maintained or otherwise defective, this could easily lead to a catastrophic collision.
• Signal Failures: Malfunctions in the signaling system at a train crossing could lead to an accident. It is also possible that crossing arms may not work properly if the signaling system is faulty, for whatever reason.
• Track Obstructions: Any type of obstruction on a set of train tracks could lead to a derailment or serious accident. A number of trains have collided with trucks or other vehicles that were stuck on the train tracks.
• Track Defects: Unlike vehicles, trains can only move along a given set of tracks. Any issues with these tracks can greatly increase the risk of an accident. For example, if the ballast beneath the tracks is insufficient, it can lead to instability and derailment.

After any train accident takes place, there will be an investigation into all of the potential causes. But these investigations are far from conclusive. In many circumstances, several different entities could have some legal responsibility for a train accident. For those injured in these collisions, life can be extremely difficult. Many victims sustain life-altering injuries and may need to take extensive periods of time off of work. After any train accident, it is important to sit down and consider what your legal options are with a knowledgeable attorney.

Why You Should Hire A Train Accident Attorney

It can be hard to know where to begin after any train accident. These incidents often profoundly impact both individuals and their families. In numerous situations, a train accident can upend the lives of entire communities. This is exactly what happened in East Palestine, Ohio when a Norfolk Southern train derailed and spilled butyl acrylate and ethylhexyl acrylate. Residents of this town remain deeply concerned about the long-term implications of the chemical spills on their health. There are several reasons to hire a personal injury attorney after any train accident.

• Determining Liability: Finding out who is responsible for a train accident is not an easy or straightforward process. An attorney can collect all relevant evidence and subpoena records if need be to help find all liable parties.
• Expertise In Personal Injury Law: Personal injury attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to train accidents. This can prove to be extremely useful when helping to build a case.
• Calculating Damages: An attorney can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Contingency Fee Basis: There are no up-front costs associated with hiring an attorney, and they only get paid from the opposing party if they are able to successfully resolve your case.
• Negotiation Skills: Pursuing a civil claim for damages requires a lengthy and difficult process of negotiating with insurance providers. Your attorney will ensure that your interests are taken into consideration at every stage of the negotiation process.

There is a tremendous peace of mind that comes with having skilled legal representation after any train accident. The sad reality is that train companies and their insurance providers will do everything in their power to avoid responsibility if one of their passengers or a member of the public is injured. An attorney can help ensure that your legal rights are protected and that any proposed settlement is fair.

Getting Legal Help After A Train Accident

The East Brunswick train accident attorneys at Beninato & Matrafajlo understand how difficult it can be to move forward after a train accident. Our legal team is dedicated to providing victims with exceptional support and representation. Most cases settle out of court. But we are always prepared to take every case to trial if that is what it takes to help get our clients the best outcome possible.

If you or someone that you love has been injured in a train accident, let us help you take the first steps towards justice and recovery. With our extensive experience and compassionate approach, we will fight on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected. There is a reason so many clients across New Jersey have entrusted us to handle their claims. We are dedicated to winning and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions above all else. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney can assist you, we are here to help. You can contact our office anytime at 908-248-4404.