Here in Cherry Hill and across New Jersey, residents are used to the breakdowns, overcrowding, and cancellations that seem to go hand in hand with New Jersey Transit trains. It is no secret that NJ Transit gets a lot of bad press and that at one time the Federal Transit Administration has even labeled its trains as the worst in the country.
A lot of what our New Jersey residents experience with trains are just annoyances and inconveniences, but our Cherry Hill Train Accident Attorneys in Cherry Hill know that train accidents do occur and when they do, it is more than just inconvenient, serious injuries and Death are often a result.
Train accidents typically occur due to collisions with another train, a person or vehicle on the tracks, or when a train derails. See below for common causes of train accidents.
Collision with Another Train
- Distracted train operation – Distracted train operators are a common contributor to train accidents. Texting and Internet use are prohibited, but that does not stop all operators from using their smartphones.
- Unfamiliarity with the track – When an operator is unfamiliar with the train route and tracks, it can lead to operation errors that result in train accidents.
- Control error – Control errors such as an incorrectly positioned switch can send a train on the wrong track which ends up colliding with another train that is already on that track.
- Fatigue – Fatigue is a major problem in train operation errors. Federal hours of service limitations are in place to keep operators from being overworked and too tired to operate the trains, but that does not stop violations of those hours or other factors related to fatigue such as medical conditions.
- Lack of safety equipment that can prevent accidents – New Jersey has famously managed to dodge federal deadlines to implement Positive Safety Control equipment in its trains and it looks like it may now be until 2020 before this safety equipment is installed.
- Poorly trained employees – There are training regulations and requirements for train employees and any noncompliance could result in poorly trained employees who are not capable of safely operating the trains.
- Maintenance of the train – Train maintenance is extremely important in accident prevention and so is a review of maintenance logs after an accident has occurred to determine if there were maintenance issues and noncompliance.
Derailment Caused By:
- Poorly maintained tracks or equipment
- Excessive cargo weight
- Track obstructions including train collisions
Collision with Something on the Track Such As:
- Track maintenance workers or pedestrians who were unaware of the train
- A suicidal person
- A motor vehicle driver who did not see the approaching train due to an unmarked crossing
- A Motor Vehicle that is stuck on the tracks
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, contact our Cherry Hill Train Accident Attorneys with The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. to Schedule a Consultation.
We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the train accident and the liable parties. We will negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for a full and fair recovery for your train accident injuries and damages.