Myrtle Beach Attorneys of The Yates Firm - WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES OF A LARGE FIRM
MYRTLE BEACH ATTORNEYS OF THE YATES FIRM
If you suffered injuries in a train accident because someone else behaved negligently or carelessly, call The Yates Firm immediately to determine whether we can represent you in your case. You have a right to hold the at-fault party liable and pursue the compensation necessary to compensate for your medical bills and other expenses.
Trains offer a scenic route to your destination, providing beautiful views of what Myrtle Beach has to offer. Many residents use trains daily, commuting to work or traveling out of state. Tourists will also take the train to go sightseeing around the state.
Trains are often convenient and inexpensive modes of transportation. However, they can also be dangerous for passengers. A part could malfunction, or the engineer might make a bad judgment call that places everyone at risk of harm.
The Yates Firm is ready to take on your case and seek the justice you deserve. You can depend on our legal team to be your advocate during this devastating time in your life and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us at 843.692.3237 today for a free consultation with one of our Myrtle Beach train accident lawyers.
When most people think of a train accident, they picture a collision between a train and a car stalled on the track. However, train accidents can involve a range of other factors, such as slip and fall, unsecured luggage, and sudden braking.
In 2020, 5,479 nonfatal injuries and 757 fatalities occurred in railroad incidents in the United States. Two passengers accounted for the deaths in these incidents, while 380 passengers accounted for the injuries and illnesses suffered. The rest of the injuries and deaths were employees, non-passengers, or trespassers.
The engineer or an employee aboard a train could make a mistake or the wrong judgment call that leads to an accident and injures the passengers. Operating the train while under the influence of alcohol, feeling tired, and reacting incorrectly during an emergency can cause a train accident.
Train accidents occur not only because of the engineer’s or an employee’s actions. They can also result from a pedestrian or driver’s mistakes. Someone might stop on the tracks or ignore the flashing lights and proceed in the path of an approaching train. A collision can occur if the engineer can’t brake in time to stop ahead of the person in their way.
Trains can’t exceed specific speed limits in certain areas. Traveling at excessive speeds prevents the engineer from stopping to avoid a vehicle or hazard in the train’s path or come to a complete stop at the terminal.
Defective tracks refer to any obstructions that can cause a train to derail. Whether unintentional or on purpose, leaving hazards on railroad tracks can result in a dangerous accident. If the engineer isn’t paying attention to what’s ahead, they won’t have enough time to stop the train and avoid the obstruction.
Inspections and maintenance of trains are necessary to ensure they function properly. If a worker discovers damage or defects, they must address the issue immediately to prevent any parts or systems from malfunctioning.
A train derailment occurs when the wheels of a train detach from the rails, causing the train to run off the track or tip over on its side. Derailments can result from a collision with another train or object on the track, a broken rail, defective wheels, or mechanical track failure.
Some crossings don’t have signals, warning signs, or gates to inform motorists and pedestrians of an approaching train. If these devices are missing or damaged, anyone planning to cross the tracks could enter the path of an oncoming train.
An intoxicated driver might not see a one-way street sign and turn the wrong way onto the road. A slower reaction time could prevent the motorist from swerving to avoid a crash. Additionally, alcohol impairment limits a person’s ability to problem-solve, so it’s likely the driver won’t know how to get themselves out of the situation.
The engineer or an employee aboard a train could make a mistake or the wrong judgment call that leads to an accident and injures the passengers. Operating the train while under the influence of alcohol, feeling tired, and reacting incorrectly during an emergency can cause a train accident.
Train accidents occur not only because of the engineer’s or an employee’s actions. They can also result from a pedestrian or driver’s mistakes. Someone might stop on the tracks or ignore the flashing lights and proceed in the path of an approaching train. A collision can occur if the engineer can’t brake in time to stop ahead of the person in their way.
Trains can’t exceed specific speed limits in certain areas. Traveling at excessive speeds prevents the engineer from stopping to avoid a vehicle or hazard in the train’s path or come to a complete stop at the terminal.
Defective tracks refer to any obstructions that can cause a train to derail. Whether unintentional or on purpose, leaving hazards on railroad tracks can result in a dangerous accident. If the engineer isn’t paying attention to what’s ahead, they won’t have enough time to stop the train and avoid the obstruction.
Inspections and maintenance of trains are necessary to ensure they function properly. If a worker discovers damage or defects, they must address the issue immediately to prevent any parts or systems from malfunctioning.
A train derailment occurs when the wheels of a train detach from the rails, causing the train to run off the track or tip over on its side. Derailments can result from a collision with another train or object on the track, a broken rail, defective wheels, or mechanical track failure.
Some crossings don’t have signals, warning signs, or gates to inform motorists and pedestrians of an approaching train. If these devices are missing or damaged, anyone planning to cross the tracks could enter the path of an oncoming train.
Compensation for out-of-pocket costs for modifying your home for a disabling injury, driving to doctor’s appointments, and paying for household assistance might also be available.
The Yates Firm understands the long-term effects of getting hurt in a train accident. It’s a traumatic experience for anyone to endure. You can rest assured knowing you won’t have to go through this alone. Our Myrtle Beach train accident lawyers are ready to provide the representation, guidance, and support you need to recover and move forward with your life.
Although it might seem like you can handle an insurance claim or lawsuit yourself, you should seek legal representation. Only an experienced lawyer knows the steps to take after a train accident and has the resources to obtain all available evidence. Pursuing a case alone will likely lead to a denied insurance claim, dismissed lawsuit, or less compensation than you deserve.
CALL 911
Someone should contact law enforcement to report the accident. Request emergency services if you and others sustained injuries.
Exit the Train
If it’s safe for you to exit the train, do it immediately. The conductor or an employee might instruct the passengers on how to handle the situation. Staying aboard the train might be the safest option.
GO TO THE HOSPITAL
If you were injured, go to the hospital after leaving the accident scene. An ambulance can transport you to the nearest hospital for medical attention. Follow your doctor’s orders and seek any treatment they recommend.
HIRE A LAWYER
Contact The Yates Firm after the train accident for assistance with the legal process. It can be overwhelming to handle alone when you’re also trying to heal your injuries. We can take over every legal aspect and pursue compensation on your behalf. Your only responsibility should be to attend your doctor’s appointments and take care of your well-being.
MAINTAIN NECESSARY EVIDENCE
A range of documents associated with the accident could help prove fault in a train accident. That means you should keep copies of every medical bill, medical record, insurance company letter, and other documentation you receive.
CONTACT US
If you were injured in a train accident due to the engineer’s or another person’s negligence, call The Yates Firm for your free consultation with one of our Myrtle Beach train accident lawyers. We will tirelessly work to hold the at-fault party accountable for their wrongdoing and seek the money you’re owed for your injuries.
Call 843.692.3237 today or contact us on our website.
ALL CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE
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Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
204 Elm St, Suite 200
Conway, SC 29526
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.