If you have been in a train accident in the Memphis area, you could benefit from speaking with an experienced Memphis personal injury lawyer.

Why Should I Choose a Memphis Train Accident Lawyer?

Determining liability after a train accident can be complicated. An experienced train accident lawyer can help you navigate the specific, intricate laws that regulate the railroad industry.

Why Are Accidents Involving Trains Complicated?

You can’t tell by looking at a train as it moves down the track whether or not its brakes are in good operating condition, whether there are hazardous materials en route, or even if the signals and train controls are working properly. A lot of us take for granted that a train is safe as we hear and watch it rumble down the tracks, but from a distance, we really don’t know.

What Types of Train Incidents Pose a Danger?

The Federal Railroad Administration recognizes several different categories of train accidents.

Railroad tracks often appear old and even forgotten, but they actually must undergo maintenance to make sure they are safe to handle the rigors of train travel and exposure to the elements. Unsafe tracks that are not even or become dislodged can cause a train to derail, and a derailed train can’t be controlled.

Train signals at railroad crossings allow motorists and even pedestrians to become aware that a train is approaching. A train is required to blow its horn at least 15 seconds, but not more than 20 seconds, before entering a crossing when its speed is below 45 miles per hour.

Train equipment must be kept in top shape. Just like any other vehicle, moving parts of a train undergo wear and tear. Worn brakes, faulty electronic sensors or inadequate attention to the weight of heavy loads can pose dangers to the workers on a train and to the people who may encounter the train when it passes through.

Failed human behavior causes some train accidents. Just like a vehicle driver, a train conductor can pose a danger to others when operating a train at an unsafe speed or continuing to work when drowsy or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

Other factors can include poor weather conditions, unstable loading of cars, and rarely, sabotage.

Depending on the extent of the damage, a train accident can include hazmat clean-up, the closing of nearby businesses during the clean-up effort, a temporary loss of use of the track, loss of the train cars or locomotive, or even the loss of life or injury.

Who Oversees the Memphis Area’s Railroad System?

The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Office of Rail Safety and Inspection and the Federal Railroad Administration oversee thousands of regulations that are specific to rail travel.

TDOT has broken down the state into four regions. Memphis is in Region 4, headquartered in Jackson, Tenn. The TDOT is also responsible for highway maintenance and repair, construction engineering, safety, traffic and highway marking, and bridge repair and inspections.

If you or a loved one has been hurt or injured in a train accident, you could benefit from speaking to an experienced Memphis train accident lawyer who will represent your best interests.