Despite recent major traffic incidents across the country, the Associated Press is reporting that the nation’s roads are as safe as they’ve ever been.
According to their statistics, derailments and accidents at railroad crossings have been on the decline, despite an increased reliance on trains for transporting raw materials and finished products.
Purportedly, the numbers are as follows:
Over time, railroads have made capital investments, strengthened employee training, and explored technological advances in order to anticipate the potential problems that lead to derailment.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration spokesman,
“Last year was the safest year on record for the railroad industry.” This may come as a surprise following the Baltimore accident this Tuesday, and the derailment of a commuter train in Connecticut earlier this month.
Derailment of trains is significant not only due to the potential property damage or injuries it may cause to passengers, but also because by nature of creating changes to the traffic patterns, they can create the opportunity for additional car accidents. The initial derailment itself can create the potential for drivers to take their eyes off of the road in order to see what’s happening. Alternatively, heavier traffic patterns can lead to frustrated drivers, who may drive more aggressively.
Additionally, potentially more dangerous to individuals other than those who may be on the train are the incidents that occur at train crossings. Cars and trucks who collide with trains can face grave injuries, or even death, from the impact.
Whatever the case, if your car accident is caused as a result of someone else’s negligence, whether by a distracted driver, or a poorly maintained railroad passageway, you may be entitled to recover from the party or parties responsible. Potentially recoverable damages include things like medical bills, costs incurred for physical or other therapies, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, and in tragic accidents potentially for wrongful death as well.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, such as those involving train collisions or derailments, you should contact the experienced car accident personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. In addition, our lawyers have extensive experience advocating on behalf of individuals and families who have suffered due to personal injury or wrongful death in Maryland. If you believe that your accident was caused as a result of someone else’s negligence, please contact us today by calling 1-800-654-1949 or through our website, in order to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Tragic Accident on Md. 91 When Driver Crosses over Double Yellow Line, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published May 22, 2013
Maryland Junior Dies in Clinton Area Single-Vehicle Crash, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published May 9, 2013