Trains in Bakersfield and the surrounding area operate at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. While they provide a way to avoid traffic, trains come with risks, whether you are a passenger or simply near a track.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train wreck, our Bakersfield train accident lawyer is here to help you. Colvin Accident Lawyers understands the intricacies of these types of accidents, and our compassionate personal injury attorneys want to help you understand your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.
Trains and their tracks come with inherent dangers that individuals must be aware of. It is important to stay away from train tracks whenever possible and take time to stop, look, and listen at railroad crossings. Along with this, trains have many safety protocols that must be followed by all passengers. Failure to follow safety regulations can lead to accidents, with the most common wrecks involving:
Most often, these accidents stem from:
Establishing liability is key to recovering compensation for your Bakersfield train accident, and a knowledgeable attorney could help you do so by collecting and examining important evidence.
California is a fault state, meaning establishing fault after an accident is essential if you want to seek compensation for your injuries. Luckily, multiple entities may be accountable, depending on the accident and its contributing factors.
In Bakersfield, most trains run because of Amtrak. If it can be established that Amtrak failed to maintain the tracks or trains, train employees properly, or follow all safety protocols, they may be liable.
If you and your attorney can establish that the conductor or engineer failed to follow safety regulations, they may be held accountable for your accident and resulting injuries. It can also be helpful to verify whether they were negligent or distracted in the moments before the accident.
There are government agencies that establish and maintain railroad infrastructure, and faulty railroad crossings, signals, or other issues can lead to partial liability.
Trains have a lot of working parts, and a manufacturer could be found liable for an accident caused by faulty equipment.
Obstructing a train’s path is unsafe, and pedestrians and vehicles stopped on the tracks or preventing others from leaving the tracks may be liable for any resulting personal injuries or property damage.
Victims and their families can seek compensation if their injuries were a direct result of their accident, and it is essential to start the claims process as soon as possible if seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Following your train accident, it is important to:
No two cases or claims are alike, and working with a legal team familiar with train accident law could help improve your chances of recovering just compensation. The Bakersfield attorneys at Colvin Accident Lawyers are experienced in handling injury claims involving train wrecks and could help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
Knowing what to do immediately after an accident is difficult, and train accidents can be even more complex because of their severity. Our team is here to provide advice and talk you through your compensation options. Contact us today to connect with a Bakersfield train accident lawyer. We look forward to speaking with you about your case.
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