Not all accidents happen when a car collides with another car. Sometimes cars crash into a stationary object, or into another barrier in the road such as a train. Train-car accidents are relatively common, and can result in serious injuries or even death. If you are involved in a train-car accident and are the driver, you will want to make sure to document the details of the accident in hopes of seeking compensation from the party at-fault.

All railroad crossings must be clearly designated and equipped with crossing guards and lights to warn drivers when a train is on the tracks. The train engineers are also required to honk their horn as they rumble through a crossing station in order to notify any pedestrians or drivers of the oncoming locomotive.

It is estimated that about 5,800 vehicle train accidents occur each year in the United States. Many of these accidents are avoidable. The vast majority of car and train accidents happen when there are not enough safety processes in place. If you were in a car that was damaged in a train accident, you can litigate against the railroad company or city that built the tracks for failing to maintain the signals properly or put enough safety measures near the railroad crossing. For example, if the crossing bars did not go down as the train was approaching, or the lights failed to flash, then you may be able to contact the railroad management company and seek compensation from them for their negligence.

Also, the train engineer may be held responsible if the train was scheduled or expected to stop somewhere and failed to do so. For example, if the train off scheduled and sped through a railroad crossing prior to when the timers were supposed to trigger the railroad signals, then the engineer can be liable. In some cases, the driver will be held responsible for the accident, especially if he or she violated the railroad crossing signals. Some drivers in a hurry may decide to drive under railroad crossing guards, or may ignore the lights and still try to cross the tracks in order to make it to an appointment on time.

In these cases, the car driver is responsible for the accident because there were clearly marked boundaries and the driver ignored them purposefully. The city may be held responsible for a car and train accident if there were not clearly marked lines for where vehicles were to stop before the train crossing. In these situations, drivers may stop too close to the tracks on accident. Sometimes, car accidents involving trains can lead to death. If your loved one was killed in a car and train accidents, and you believe that a negligent driver or even a negligent train engineer or railroad engineer is responsible for the accident, contact a car accident attorney to see if you can seek assistance in your case.

If you were injured in an accident, or if your car was severely damaged, you should still contact a car accident attorney and explain your case. The right lawyer may be able to help you develop a case against the responsible party and get the financial compensation that you want. You may be able to get the money needed to cover all medical bills associated with the accident as well as any unpaid time off work. You may also be able to get the finances needed to repair or replace your vehicle. Don't hesitate to contact an attorney at your local car accident firm today to learn more about your options!