While there are many potential causes of car accidents, one such cause that can result in devastating property damage and injuries is when a train strikes a motor vehicle. This often occurs where railroad tracks cross a highway. There are hundreds of thousands of these crossings located all across the country. When a car crossing the railroad tracks is struck by a train, there are many potential parties that may be liable. This includes the company that owns the train.
5 Duties of a Train Owner to Avoid an Accident
Like other vehicle owners and drivers, railroad companies have a duty to ensure that their trains are operated in a safe and prudent manner. Other duties of the railroad company operating the train include the following:
- Proper training of the people in charge of operating the train. This includes the engineer and the conductor.
- Ensuring the train is operating within the speed limit.
- Making sure the train’s crew makes proper use of the train’s warning whistle or horn. The whistle or horn must be used as the train approaches each railroad crossing.
- Ensuring the train crew gets adequate rest and does not use drugs or alcohol while operating the train.
- Properly maintaining the train.
If the company fails to fulfill these duties, it may be held liable if a car accident occurs due to a collision with one of the company’s trains.
After a car accident, it is important to seek legal guidance. Your attorney can help you assess the potentially-liable parties as well as protect your legal rights. We encourage you to check out our free book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case, for more information about what to do after a crash.
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