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Railroad Crossing Accidents

Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorneys For Railroad Crossing Accidents

Railroad crossings are scattered throughout Massachusetts. Many of us don’t pay much attention to them, except when we must stop and wait for a train to pass. The fact is railroad crossings can be extremely dangerous. They are also more common than one might think, as there are nearly 6,000 vehicle-train accidents per year and these collisions result in hundreds of deaths. Many of these accidents are caused by inadequate or malfunctioning safety devices.

If you or a loved one was involved in a collision with a train, you need to hire an experienced attorney without delay. At Ellis Law Offices, we have been representing injured people throughout Massachusetts for years. Call us so we can help ensure that you receive proper compensation.

Causes Of Railroad Crossing Collisions

Some vehicle-train accidents are caused by negligent drivers disregarding safety devices. In these cases, the railroad company will not be found liable. In many other train-car accidents, however, the drivers have operated their vehicles with due care, and the fault lies with the railroad company or a government entity. Causes of railroad crossing collisions include:

  • Inadequate safety devices — Many railroad crossings have inadequate safety devices or none at all.
  • Malfunctioning safety devices — Many railroad crossings have adequate safety devices, but problems arise when they malfunction. The most common malfunction that often leads to catastrophic or fatal injury is when the crossing gate does not lower. Vehicles often attempt to cross the tracks with a false pretense that it is safe and are then struck by an oncoming train.
  • Inadequate train maintenance — When brakes or other parts of a train malfunction, it may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.
  • Overloaded cargo — Strict regulations dictate the weight of a train’s cargo. If the train is over the regulated limit, this may cause a train to derail and tip over, causing serious injury.

Ellis Law Offices commences every case with a thorough assessment of every aspect of the case to determine all possible causes of the collision and injuries.

Contact Massachusetts Auto Accident Attorneys At Ellis Law Offices

If you have been injured in a car-train collision, our experienced attorneys at Ellis Law Offices can help you obtain full and fair compensation. For a free consultation with a lawyer, contact our Massachusetts law firm by telephone or by email. Home and hospital visits are available upon request.