Train accidents are devastating accidents often resulting in severe injuries, deaths, and property damage. In this face of accident don’t roam around knowing nothing, you should be aware of your legal rights, and the steps you should take to protect your rights and seek compensation for your losses. This guide provides a roadmap about what to do when you’re caught in such an accident.
Prioritizing your Well-Being
1. Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the injuries you’ve received you should see a doctor and prioritize the safety of yourself and the people you love. A doctor can diagnose any injuries, document them for further reference and initiate necessary treatment. Also, this documentation can be used as evidence later.
2. Ensure Safety of Other: After making sure that you are safe and sound, if you’re in the position to do something about the people around you check on the well-being of others. If possible, assist them to safety.
3. Contact Emergency Services: Depending on the severity of the incident contact emergency services and inform them about the accident. Their presence helps secure the scene and document it.
Securing Evidence
1. Document the Scene: If you’re able then document the scene. Capture the details like accident, injuries, and damages. Also try to capture the weather conditions and the tract condition for further references. These will be used as evidence later in the claim.
2. Gather Information: Gather contact details of everyone involved in the accident. Their contact numbers, witness testimonies, train personnel and law enforcement arrive at the scene. Especially, obtain a copy of the copy of the police report filed against the accident.
Consulting an Attorney
Train accidents often involve complex legal issues, particularly while determining the liability. The responsible party could be maintenance company, a signal operator, train driver or even a motorist who made train to derail. Consulting an expert personal injury attorney specializing in train accidents can help you navigate the legal maze a lot better than you could do on your own. An attorney can:
1. Investigate the Accident: They will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the potential responsible party by evidence and testimonies.
2. Determine Liability: With the help of evidence, they will help you in finding who’s responsible for the accident and hold them accountable.
3. Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Train companies and other parties involved have strong insurance companies, a skillful attorney can help you negotiate with them and secure compensation for your damages and loss.
4. File a Lawsuit: If insurance negotiations fail you yield a satisfactory result, your attorney will file a lawsuit to pursue in court.
Potential Claims
After a train accident you may be entitled to compensation for various claims. Some of which are:
1. Medical Expense: Any past, present or future medical bills you must pay due to the injuries suffered in the train accident is covered by this.
2. Lost Wages: If the injuries sustained by the train accident prevent you for working this can also be covered under the compensation.
3. Property Damage: If any property was damaged during the train accident, it can also be covered as compensation for this.
4. Pain and Distress: Compensation for physical, emotional pain and suffering endured due to the train accident.
Train accidents can be life altering accidents. By prioritizing your health, gathering evidence, consulting an attorney, and understanding your legal rights, you can navigate the legal aftermath effectively and seek the compensation you deserve.
Remember you have legal rights, and no one can violate them and if someone did, they must pay the price.
If you want any type of consultation regarding any legal matter, then call now for free consultation (718) 414-6642.
What are the Legal Steps After a Train Accident? 
