Three People Injured After a Freight Train and Car Collide in Palm Beach County
According to a report from WPTV-TV, three people were hospitalized after a serious train accident in western Palm Beach County. Two adults and one infant were rushed to a local emergency medical center after a train collided with a vehicle along State Route 15 in Belle Glade. The collision involved a fast-moving freight train.
Rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene of the accident and the extraction tools were used to get the victims out of their vehicle. As pictures in the report show, the car sustained significant damage in the train collision. The immediate cause of the collision was unclear. Though, a representative for police noted that this is not the first time a railroad crossing accident has occurred in Belle Glade.
Many Railroad Crossing Accidents Happen Because of Negligence
Sadly, railroad crossing accidents remain a very serious public safety problem in South Florida and throughout our entire country. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reports that approximately ten railroad crossing collisions happen every day in the United States. Based on the preliminary data for 2019, 293 people were killed and 807 people were severely injured in railroad crossing accidents.
While drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians have a responsibility to watch out for their own health and safety at train crossings, public and private train operators too often act in a negligent manner. In many cases, railroad crossing collisions could have been prevented if only the proper safety precautions were taken. Here are five common examples of negligence that can lead to train/vehicle collisions:
- Lack of adequate warning signals or warning signs at the railroad crossing;
- Defective or otherwise damaged crossing signals or crossing gates;
- Train conductor errors, including speeding and distracted operation;
- Train-related defects, including bad brakes; and
- Dangerous condition on the railroad tracks.
Railroad crossing accidents are notoriously complicated. Every train accident requires an in-depth and focused investigation by an experienced attorney. Victims and their families need to know exactly why the train and motor vehicle collided. If there was any negligence on the part of the railroad company, they must be held accountable for the resulting damages.
A plaintiff is a railroad accident claim may be eligible to recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other long-term damages. As train companies are often extremely aggressive in defending claims, injured victims need a strong, experienced attorney in their corner.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Railroad Crossing Accident Lawyer in Florida
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach railroad accident lawyers are experienced, aggressive advocates for injured victims and their families. We know how to hold negligent train conductors and railroad companies accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a collision with a train, we can help. Call us now for a free review of your case. We handle railroad accident claims in West Palm Beach, Miami, and throughout all of Southeastern Florida.
Resource:
wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/2-adults-infant-rushed-to-hospital-after-crash-involving-freight-train-car-in-western-palm-beach-county
