Contents
- 1 Unsafe Railroad Crossings: An Extreme Threat
- 2 Why Pedestrian-Train Accidents Happen
- 3 Who is Responsible When a Train Kills or Injures a Pedestrian?
- 4 Responsibility in Pedestrian-Train Accidents
- 5 Why Railroad Firms Should Be Held Responsible
- 6 The Profile of a High-Risk Zone for Railroad-Pedestrian Accidents
- 7 Call a Train-Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now
Pedestrian-train collisions, sometimes known as “trespassing” collisions, represent a substantial hazard to pedestrians, as they do to automobiles. Despite the fact that poorly maintained and unsecured railroad crossings are known to be hazardous, the railroad industry has mostly succeeded in generating the perception that pedestrians who are struck by trains are either reckless trespassers or suicidal. Yet, many pedestrian accidents do not fit under these criteria.
Unsafe Railroad Crossings: An Extreme Threat
Unattended and poorly maintained railroad crossings are considered to be hazardous for both people and automobiles. Although getting some public attention, the railroad business has effectively fostered the perception that every incident in which a person is struck by a train is the result of reckless trespassing or suicide. Despite the fact that these are undeniably serious problems that annually claim many lives, the majority of pedestrian accidents do not fall into these categories.
Why Pedestrian-Train Accidents Happen
Often, pedestrian-train collisions are considered to be the consequence of a person attempting suicide by stepping in front of a train. In certain instances, this may be accurate, but it does not give the whole story. Instead of enhancing crossing safety, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) refers to these tragedies as “trespassing events” and prohibits citizens from “trespassing” across railroads. Yet, this form of “trespassing” causes more railroad-related fatalities than all other types of train accidents combined.
Who is Responsible When a Train Kills or Injures a Pedestrian?
Who is accountable for pedestrian deaths and injuries caused by trains is a subject of debate. The FRA and business lobbyists frequently place the responsibility on the pedestrian, yet the attractive nuisance theory may hold railroad corporations liable for failing to limit access to potentially hazardous sections of the tracks. The attractive nuisance theory mandates that homeowners appropriately fence off potentially hazardous places and presume that children may be drawn to them. Similarly, train firms are obligated to limit access to hazardous portions of the rails, particularly when youngsters use them to get to school.
Responsibility in Pedestrian-Train Accidents
Before permitting trains to pass, railroad firms must guarantee that their tracks are in excellent functioning condition. People viewing the rails are able to recognise pedestrian paths left by regular foot activity, so exposing potential risk zones for pedestrians.
Why Railroad Firms Should Be Held Responsible
The FRA has sought to launch an inquiry into pedestrian-train collision injuries and fatalities as well as the demographic information of those died. This makes it harder for the government to undertake a comprehensive examination and avoid future tragedies. It is evident from accumulating data that residential zones with a high population density, a track speed restriction of 70 miles per hour, and both freight and commuter train present are pedestrian accident hotspots.
The Profile of a High-Risk Zone for Railroad-Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident hotspots are often residential zones with a high population density, a track speed restriction of 70 mph, and the presence of both freight and commuter train, according to the data.
Call a Train-Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now
Skilled train accident attorneys are able to explain when, where, and how railways are responsible for such incidents. Instead than blaming victims of fault, train companies must improve pedestrian safety.