Liability in Car-Train Accidents in Rhode Island

Common Injuries in a Rhode Island Car-Train Accident

If a car is hit by a moving train, passengers in the vehicle may suffer some common injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and neck injuries.

Other Common Injuries

Permanent disfigurement or disability

Broken bones

Death

If you or a loved one were injured in a car-train collision, speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and possible compensation.

Causes of Car Accidents Involving Trains in Rhode Island

A train-car accident can happen for a variety of reasons such as human error or equipment malfunction. This can include traffic signal malfunction.

Other Causes of Car-Train Accidents

Crossing signals not working

Failure to sound a horn at a train crossing

Unsecured or improperly secured cargo on the train

Excessive speed of the car or train

Failure to brake or stop at a crossing

Driver fatigue, distraction, or intoxication

Poor visibility or weather conditions

Not cleaning up spilled cargo or other materials

Train track defects such as broken rails, missing bolts, or vegetation growth on the tracks

Accidents with freight trains often occur at crossings. Due to the massive size of the train and the amount of freight being transported, these types of accidents are severe and often result in death. Accidents with a freight train can be due to a malfunctioning signal or a lack of safety controls. Train accidents due to human error can result from an engineer or conductor not having the proper training required to operate the train or due to negligence.

Proving Liability and Obtaining Compensation

If the train is liable in a car-train collision, there are several parties that can be held responsible. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, these types of accidents often have multiple defendants.

Possible at-Fault Parties

Train engineer or conductor
Train manufacturer
Train company

Hiring an attorney after an accident is important in obtaining fair compensation. An attorney can help determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible.

Ways a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Gather evidence from the accident to support your case. This may include testimony from others involved in the crash or witnesses to the accident.
Gather photos and/or videos of the accident scene that show vehicle damage and the condition of the tracks and the weather at the time of the collision.
Calculate the value of your case based on your injuries, medical treatments, and loss.
Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

Potential Compensation

Medical bills and expenses
Lost wages and future income earnings
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Out-of-pocket costs
Wrongful death expenses such as burial or funeral costs

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