Most people consider traveling by train to be relatively safe. Train travel is typically one of the safest methods of transportation possible. However, when a train accident occurs it can cause a number of serious injuries and fatalities. The recent high-speed train crash in Washington State shows just how devastating a train accident can be.
Determining the Cause of a Train Crash
When a serious train crash occurs, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. In this case they sent a team of about 20 investigators to the site to investigate. Some things that the NTSB will focus on include human error, mechanical failures, and infrastructure problems.
There are already indications that speed was a factor in the accident. The train was reportedly traveling at a speed of about 80 MPH when the posted train speed limit was only 30. That means the train was traveling at a speed almost three times the recommended limit. There are other factors that will be taken into consideration, as well.
Was Human Error a Factor?
Human error cannot be ruled out and is often found to be at least a contributing factor in these types of accidents. Some reports in this case stated that the engineer was training another employee at the time of the crash and this could be a cause for distraction. Other common types of distractions include cell phone use and fatigue. The NTSB will certainly check the engineer’s account of what happened as well as his activities prior to going on duty.
This was the maiden trip for this particular high speed train route. The NTSB will need to verify whether the track was adequately prepared for this type of travel and if the new train route was properly tested before it was used for passengers. Another concern is that the train did not have positive train control, PTC.
PTC is technology that senses train speed and automatically slows the train when it detects that it is traveling at an unsafe rate of speed. Trains are required to have this technology, but legislation delayed the compliance date until next year. Had PTC been in place, it may have prevented the accident by sensing too high a speed and automatically slowing the train.
Liability in Train Accidents
The company, in this case Amtrak, is expected to provide safe and secure transportation to their passengers. They must properly educate employees on safe procedures, regularly maintain trains and tracks, and test equipment to ensure safety. When the company fails to provide safe travel for passengers due to their negligence, they may be liable for any injuries and damages that result from an accident.
Those who were seriously injured in a train accident may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney will be able to review your particular situation and guide you through taking legal action. You might be owed money for your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, time lost from work and money for pain and suffering. Contact the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to learn more about your case.
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