Minneapolis Train Accident Lawyer

The railroad is still a critical part of America’s economy and transportation system. Minnesota is home to thousands of miles of railroads, with hundreds of trains crossing every day. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is in charge of coordinating railroad safety for more than 4,500 crossings throughout the state. According to its data, 23 highway-rail crossing accidents occurred in 2016 – resulting in 10 injuries and two fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a railroad accident, find out if you have grounds to file a lawsuit against the train conductor, company, or a third party.

About Train Accidents in Minnesota

After a railroad accident, your first question might be, “Who is responsible for paying for my damages?” To answer this question – if there is an answer – examine the accident itself. What happened? What caused the crash? Who was involved? It often takes a professional investigation to get to the bottom of these complex liability issues. The defendant may be the train’s engineer, the railroad company, a cargo loader, another driver, or a third party. There may be more than one defendant. The injured party may be partially responsible, bringing up the question of comparative negligence.

Seek help from an attorney who can help you understand complicated legal questions associated with train accidents. Trains are common carriers, and thus must obey federal laws. This includes using the highest level of care to avoid harm to passengers and others they encounter on the railway. Minnesota state laws also come into play in public transportation accidents within the state’s borders. If any party breaks any of these laws, resulting in a train accident, the party will be liable to pay for damages. This is the legal theory of negligence – the same theory involved in all personal injury lawsuits.

Train accidents can happen in a number of ways. The train may come off its tracks, causing passenger injury. Two trains may collide due to a problem with the tracks. Vehicles may collide with trains or stall on the tracks. A railroad accident might stem from engineer error, mechanical failure, a negligent driver, distracted pedestrian, or some form of railway company negligence. Regardless of the cause, it is worthwhile to speak to an attorney after any train crash. Legal assistance is the easiest way to learn your rights.

How to Pursue Compensation After a Train Accident

Proving fault in a railroad accident may involve locating the black box that most modern locomotives must legally carry. The black box records information about the train during an accident, including its speed, direction, brake usage, and whether or not the engineer sounded the horn. Dispatch centers responsible for controlling train signals also keep records about the circumstances surrounding a crash. An accident victim or his or her attorney can gather this information to potentially use as evidence during settlement or trial negotiations.

Whether you were a train passenger, bystander, other motorist, or railroad worker at the time of an accident, secure legal help after sustaining an injury. Railroad accidents are not as common as other motor vehicle collisions, but they can wreak havoc – especially when dozens of train passengers are on board. Don’t let someone else’s error, negligence, or lapse in judgment ruin your life. Take a stand against negligence in the form of a personal injury lawsuit.

The attorneys at Knutson + Casey have successfully settled and litigated thousands of cases during the firm’s 25-plus years in practice, many with million-dollar results. When you need lawyers who can truly make a difference in your case, come to our firm in Minneapolis. We understand federal and state common carrier laws and can help you sort out a complicated railroad accident. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling (507) 344-8888.