Have You Been in a Seattle Railway Crossing Accident?

Posted Friday, April 1, 2022 by Chris Thayer

In Washington state, freight trains are not uncommon, and while they serve an important function economically, they also pose significant risks to pedestrians and drivers. For this reason, train intersections must be well marked, with warning signs and indicators that can be clearly seen. When these signals and precautions fail, serious injury and even death can result. In fact, statistics indicate that despite an overall decline in railway travel, deaths and injuries as a result of trains have continued to increase. Last year was the first time since 2015 where there was a decrease in fatalities and injuries caused by railway accidents, and still nearly 5,500 people were injured and 529 people lost their lives. Railroad crossing accidents can cause immeasurable damage, both physically and financially. If you were involved in a railroad crossing accident in Washington state that was not your fault, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation that you need to get your life back on track.

*Liability for Railroad Crossing Accidents *Determining who is liable for a railroad crossing accident can often be the most complicated part, and confusion over this aspect can make many victims choose not to pursue legal action since they simply do not know who to sue. This is where a personal injury lawyer can be especially helpful, since they can assist in identifying all parties who contributed to causing your harm. Often, there is more than just one party responsible.

In some cases, the railroad company may be responsible where warning signals, such as signs, flashing lights, and a gate, are missing, malfunctioning, or have failed to be adequately maintained or repaired. In other cases, warning signs may not be sufficiently visible, and the railroad company or a company they have contracted to maintain the safety or to design the railroad intersection can be held accountable for the harm.

In other cases, another driver will be at fault. For instance, if you were stopped at a railroad intersection and another driver was speeding or distracted and crashed into you, pushing you into the intersection and the path of a moving train, that driver would be liable for negligence. If the driver who hit you was unable to stop due to a vehicle defect, the manufacturer of that vehicle component and of the vehicle may also be held accountable.

As you can see, there are many potentially liable parties, and their contribution to causing the accident may not always be immediately apparent, but can require further investigation. For this reason, it can be invaluable to consult a Seattle personal injury attorney who can review the facts and circumstances of your case to determine who is liable and how best to pursue compensation.

*Contact the Pivotal Law Group*If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or even killed in a railway crossing accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, or Issaquah, the Pivotal Law Group is ready to fight to make sure that you get the compensation that you are entitled to. Contact the Pivotal Law Group today to schedule a consultation.