New Mexico Railroad Accident Lawyers
Billions Won. Our Train Accident Attorneys Serve Albuquerque & the Entire U.S.
Train accidents often result in tragic incidents and catastrophic injuries. Research from the Federal Railroad Administration reveals that, in 2020, more than 1,500 train accidents occurred in the United States. These numbers tell us that we need to be extra vigilant when it comes to our railways and grade crossings. It only takes one equipment malfunction or a negligent operator to cause a tragic accident.
Train Accident Facts:
- There is a train collision or derailment every 1.5 hours.
- Trains carry hazardous chemicals derail every 2 weeks.
- Railroads today need major updating and improvement.
- The FRA reports that 80% of railroad crossings do not provide adequate warnings.
- Train collisions involving pedestrians have increased over the last few years.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a train accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. An experienced New Mexico train accident lawyer may be able to help you secure monetary compensation for your injuries. Train accident claims can be complex because a variety of parties can be at fault for an accident, but a skilled attorney can investigate the accident and work to help you recover what you lost.
Arnold & Itkin has helped thousands of injured people recover billions in verdicts and settlements. Contact our New Mexico railroad accident attorneys today for a free case review: (888) 493-1629!
Train Accident FAQ
Why Do New Mexico Train Accidents Happen?
All trains are capable of massive destruction due to their speed and weight. While trains are typically regarded as the safest form of public transport, trains are run by people—and people can make mistakes, get distracted, or cause serious harm. Below is a list of the most common types of train accidents. Many train accidents occur as passengers are boarding or de-boarding the train or metropolitan rail lines. It is vital for employers and operators to follow the required safety procedures and to remain vigilant for the sake of passengers. However, railroad workers are just as likely (if not more so) to get injured while working in and around trains.
Can Railroad Accidents Be Caused by Conductor Negligence?
Proper safety procedures could prevent most train accidents. Train conductors and railway workers must follow safety regulations. If they fail to do so, they put hundreds of people in danger. A conductor's negligence could cause a train accident if they operated the train while intoxicated, worked while on drugs or prescription medication, talked on a cell phone or texted, or engaged in any distractions while on the job.
Train Accidents Involving Cars & Pedestrians
Thousands of train accidents involve cars every year. These accidents result in significant injuries because of the massive size discrepancy between trains and vehicles. For example, a collision with a car can derail a train, causing it to collide with other vehicles on the road. Conductor negligence can also lead to train-car collisions. These accidents cause victims to suffer catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Excessive cargo loads can also lead to derailment, and lack of maintenance can lead to a malfunction. Pedestrians involved in train accidents often suffer the most. They have little chance of survival against a train that is going full speed down the tracks.
Train-on-Train Collisions
Any train accident is likely to result in massive destruction, but when an accident involves two rail vehicles, the consequences will be even more destructive. These types of accidents are so tragic because trains have little time to slow down and nowhere to turn to avoid a collision. Add this to the massive weight and sheer force of each moving vehicle, and you have a disaster in the works.
Railway Accidents
Some train accidents occur because railway owners fail to warn passengers of potential hazards. It is their responsibility to ensure that every possible measure is taken to educate passengers and to ensure they secure rail yards, switching yards, rail right-of-way, train bridges, and other dangers on railroad property. It's also vital for railroads to clearly mark grade crossings. Many of the nation's train accidents occur at the same grade crossings every year. Why is that? Because the grade crossing either has an unsafe design or requires clearer markers—both of which are the railroad's responsibility. In cases of this kind, our New Mexico railroad accident lawyers seek answers and justice, with the goal of improving safety for others in the future.
Causes of Train Accidents in Albuquerque, NM
While each incident is different, the following are potential causes of railroad accidents:
- Damaged switches or out of adjustment
- Defective or mission crossties
- Failure to apply sufficient hand brakes
- Failure to comply with restricted speeds
- Failure to control shoving movement
- Switch points worn or broken
- Switches improperly lined
Train Accident Attorneys in New Mexico
Time and time again, our Albuquerque train accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have witnessed companies do everything in their power to deny liability after an accident. Such cases can be complex and require extensive investigation. Survivors and grieving families need qualified attorneys to make sure the train company bears responsibility for their actions and that the victims are fairly compensated.
We know how difficult life becomes after an accident, so we are committed to helping our clients through it. If you were injured in a train accident, don’t hesitate to contact our New Mexico railroad accident attorneys. We can explain the different legal options available for your case and guide you through the process. We have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients, helping them rebuild their lives.
Contact our New Mexico train accident lawyers today for a free case review: (888) 493-1629!