Train Accidents: A Train of Thought

Guard rails exist for a reason. Warning systems exist for a reason. Computer monitored braking systems exist for a reason. Track warnings exist for a reason. In fact, all of these things exist for the same reason, to keep people in trains safe. But despite these safety measures, terrible things can still happen, especially when safety protocols aren’t followed.

The deadliest accident in the history of the Metro-North railroad occurred on February 3rd, 2015 after a train full of passengers struck an SUV that was parked on the tracks at a crossing. The force of the explosion was sufficient to force the third rail into a train car. Investigators are still determining whether sufficient evacuation protocols were in effect and followed.

The results were devastating. Before the night was through, it was reported that there were:

• Seven deaths
• Twelve significant injuries that required immediate hospitalization
• Hundreds of additional injuries to the passengers of the train
• Hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage

Whenever a terrible event like this occurs, reading just how many people were horribly affected is sobering. But we mustn’t let our train of thought end there. The official reports always underestimate the true extent of the devastation. Though only a dozen people were immediately hospitalized, the other passengers can’t yet know the full extent of their own injuries. Many significant injuries, such as whiplash, can take weeks or even months to fully manifest.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a train accident, it is important that you monitor yourself for injuries. If any injuries occur, whether they are immediately apparent or take longer to be noticed, please contact an attorney to help you pursue your investigation. Only an attorney can know the right questions to ask to determine if all the safety protocols were indeed followed.