Amtrak Collides With Truck in Florida
According to a report from Treasure Coast News, an Amtrak train collided with a commercial truck in Florida. Thankfully, there were no fatalities reported even though the crash was extremely fiery and caused major damage. The incident occurred in Martin County. Here, our Miami trucking accident attorney explains what we know about this crash and highlights the risk posed by trains.
Collision Between Semi-Truck and Amtrak Train in Martin County
On August 22, 2024, a semi-truck caught fire after colliding with an Amtrak train in South Florida. The incident happened in Martin County, near Indiantown. Notably, the train was carrying more than 80 people. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The tractor trailer was reportedly attempting to cross the tracks before being struck by the Amtrak train. The accident is still under a more comprehensive investigation by authorities.
The Most Common Reasons Why Truck-Train Accidents Happen in Florida
Truck-train accidents can be exceptionally dangerous. Not only do trains have incredible mass and momentum, semi-trucks often carry heavy or even hazardous materials. That can exacerbate the safety risk. These collisions can occur for a wide range of different reasons. Some of the leading causes of truck-train accidents in South Florida include:
- Train Crossing Signal Defects: In many cases, truck-train accidents happened due to miscommunications or signaling errors at rail crossings. Misaligned signals can confuse truck drivers about whether it is safe to cross—especially in areas with frequent train traffic. Further, some crossings in Florida may lack adequate warning systems.
- Poorly Built Crossing Gates: Some train crossings in Florida are equipped with poorly built or even malfunctioning gates. The crossing gates may fail to properly warn or block truck traffic. Large commercial trucks—especially those with longer stopping distances—may not have enough time to come to a halt.
- Truck Driver Error: Truck drivers may misjudge the speed of an approaching train or their ability to clear the tracks in time. They may also try to rush through a railroad crossing against signals in an unsafe manner. The high stakes of misjudgment, due to the train’s fast approach and the truck’s slower maneuverability, make these errors particularly dangerous.
- Train Track and Road Layout Flaw: The design and layout of roads and tracks can contribute to accidents if they lead to confusing or dangerous intersections between roadways and railways. Sharp angles of approach, short distances between the road and tracks, or poorly marked crossings can confuse truckers and other drivers.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Miami Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami semi-truck accident attorney fights aggressively for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bad crash, we are more than ready to help. Insurance companies must be held accountable. Contact us today for a free case review. From our Miami office, we fight for the rights of semi-truck accident victims throughout South Florida, including in Miami Beach. Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Coral Gables, and Jupiter.
Source:
tcpalm.com/story/news/2024/08/22/florida-accidents-crashes-collisions-train-semi-truck-crash-today-where-when-injuries-passengers/74904361007/
