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How To Avoid A Train Accident And What To Do If You Are In One

Monday, June 17th, 2019
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When you think of an accident, your first thought is probably about a car crash, not a railroad accident. But, train accidents aren’t part of a bygone era. The Federal Railroad Administration provides estimates of train accidents that occur every year in the United States and more data.

Train accidents can be devastating due to the size and speed of these vehicles. The force behind a train is monumental just to get it moving and they travel at high speeds to get across the country. A railroad accident involving pedestrians, automobiles, semi-trucks, and more can result in a tragedy.

Tips to protect yourself from train accidents

Here are some tips to help you when it comes to protecting yourself as much as possible from a railroad accident.

  • First, always look both ways before crossing over railroad tracks, especially if there are no safety lights at the intersection. Don’t rely on hearing the sound of a train, as many of the newer train engines are much quieter than older models.
  • When you have to stop at a crossing, be sure that you’re at least 15 feet away from the tracks.
  • Never stay on the railroad tracks. If traffic is backed up, stop early so that you’re away from the tracks in case a train is coming. You don’t want to be stuck on them, unable to move, in case a train does come down the tracks towards you.
  • Don’t make assumptions about when a train will be on the tracks. While some trains do run on a set schedule, there are many reasons why that schedule can be thrown off on a day-to-day basis. Stay aware at all times when near railroad tracks.
  • It’s dangerous to play on or use railroad tracks as a walkway. It can be against the law too, as they are private property. You could be charged with trespassing if caught.
  • Remember that trains aren’t like cars. They need to have much more room to stop. A train traveling at about 50 miles per hour can take up to a mile to completely stop. There are plenty of times when a train is unable to stop in time if a person or vehicle is on the tracks. The results are almost always tragic.

    You should never go around a gate at a railroad crossing that’s lowered. You also should never try to get through a railroad crossing by racing against the train. Playing chicken with a train is another way to cause chaos because of how long it takes a train to stop. If you see a train nearby, it’s always best to stop and allow it to continue moving forward rather than trying to get around it.

    No matter if you’re walking or driving, you should not allow yourself to be distracted by your phone or other activity when near railroad tracks. You should also never believe that a railroad track is no longer in use because you’ve never seen a train on a particular part of the track. Assuming it is abandoned could be dangerous.

    One last thing to remember is that a train has the right of way, no matter if you’re walking or driving. Since trains cannot stop easily and having to brake suddenly can cause issues, it makes sense just to wait.

    What if a train accident does happen?

    If a train accident occurs, there are a few things that you should remember, no matter if you were a passenger or outside the train when it happened. The first thing that you should do is to get medical attention. Even if at the time you feel okay, it’s best to be checked out by the medical professional on the scene. Take care of any follow-up care instructions, especially if you start to feel worse later. Your next step is to seek legal representation. It’s essential to not delay with this step, as there are deadlines regarding when you can file a personal injury claim.

    Train accident attorneys in Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas

    Have you or a loved one been involved in a Train Accident and aren’t sure how to move forward? Contact Attorney Dean Boyd today to get professional help with your claim. You can reach Our Team by phone at (806) 242-3333 or Send Us an Email to get further information. Our offices are located at 4423 SW 45th Ave in Amarillo, Texas and 10623 Quaker Ave #102 in Lubbock, Texas.

    *The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Viewing this information does not establish/constitute an attorney-client relationship with the law firm of Attorney Dean Boyd.