Bellevue and Seattle, Washington Railroad Accident Attorneys

According to Operation Lifesaver, an international nonprofit program dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities at highway-railroad crossings, approximately every two hours a person or vehicle is struck by a train in the United States. That danger is not likely to go away as an increasing number of trains are busy carrying freight and passengers both in densely populated and rural locations.

Across the country, there are more than 250,000 highway-rail grade crossings. These dangerous intersections are where the majority (96%) of train accidents occur. The U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that motorists are about 30 times more likely to die if involved in a railroad accident than an auto accident. Each year, more than 350 people are killed and an additional 1,000 injured in approximately 3,000 train-vehicle collisions. The laws governing railroad accident liability are very complex. At Phillips & Webster, our Bellevue and Seattle railroad accident attorneys are experienced, knowledgeable, and innovative. We are committed to helping Washington victims statewide obtain fair compensation. Our personal injury lawyers have abundant experience litigating railroad accident cases, and are ready to take legal action to protect your rights. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, our Washington railroad accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process with compassion and proven expertise.

• Railroad Accident Causes
• Improving Railroad Crossing Safety
• Motor Vehicle Safety
• Pedestrian Safety

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Railroad companies are liable for your safety. Although they have strict safety standards, vehicle and pedestrian collisions with trains, collisions with other trains, and derailments still occur. Common railroad accident causes include:

• Mechanical failure — faulty braking mechanisms and other mechanical issues (frequently caused by negligence)
• Cargo — an overabundance of heavy cargo can contribute to derailment
• Motorists — many train-versus-vehicle collisions result from aggressive driving on the part of the automobile operator
• Conductor intoxication or fatigue
• Failure to sound warning horn
• Dangerous crossings
• Faulty railroad tracks / lights

There are strict time guidelines set forth in the statute of limitations that can prevent you from being able to file your claim for damages, so it is imperative that you contact our firm quickly. An attorney experienced in train and railroad personal injury litigation will be able to review the exact circumstances of the conditions that contributed to the collision and be able to advise you regarding the potential for recovery against the responsible railroad company. Contact the Bellevue and Seattle railroad accident attorneys at Phillips & Webster to schedule a consultation and case review.

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Improving Railroad Crossing Safety

Motor Vehicle Safety

Railroad accident reports attribute 91 percent of collisions to reckless or inattentive drivers who ignore warning signs or even drive around barriers as trains approach. Remember, automatic warning devices do not prevent all accidents. Both drivers and the railroad industry must be aware of how to increase safety on and around crossings. The following tips may help you prevent a railroad accident and the catastrophic injuries that often result. They may also help you determine a potential means of recovery if you or someone you know has been hurt or killed in a railroad/roadway crossing accident.

• Trains can't stop

Generally, cars must yield to trains because they cannot stop quickly. A freight or passenger train traveling at 55 mph may require a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied; if that occurs, there is additional danger of a derailment and the injury of others. Trains are always moving faster than you think. Be safe, stop, and wait.

• Expect a train at any time

Most trains do not travel on a regular schedule. Be cautious at a highway-rail grade crossing at any time; be certain you can stop safely if a train is approaching.

• Do not rely on train whistles or horns

Music or noise inside the cab of your vehicle might make it difficult to hear a train’s warning horn.

• Do not always expect to see the train

Vegetation or buildings may obstruct your view as can certain weather conditions, such as fog. Even if you can see the train approaching, it is difficult to judge the distance and approaching speed.

• Pay attention to railroad warning signs

Slow down and be prepared to stop at the first railroad warning sign. At a multiple track crossing, wait for the train to pass, then watch out for a second train on the other tracks approaching in either direction.

• Do not attempt to drive around lowered gates

If you suspect a crossing signal is malfunctioning, call the number posted on or near the crossing signal.

• Make sure you can clear the crossing

Do not attempt to cross the tracks unless you are certain the vehicle you are driving will clear on the other side. Never shift gears while crossing railroad tracks. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.

• If your vehicle stalls, get out and contact the authorities

If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out and far away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is approaching. Then, call your local law enforcement agency for assistance.

Contact Phillips & Webster's Washington personal injury lawyers for a case consultation and evaluation. Serving the greater Seattle and Bellevue areas, our railroad accident attorneys can help you obtain the just compensation to which you are entitled.

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Pedestrian Safety

Since 1990, more than 5,000 people have been killed while walking on railroad rights-of-way and at railroad crossings; thousands more have suffered serious injuries. Operation Lifesaver, an organization dedicated to reducing railroad crossing accidents, recommends that pedestrians take the following advice:

• Use only designated pedestrian or roadway crossings

When crossing tracks, do so at official crossings and obey all crossing warning signals.

• Never race a train

It commonly takes a train more than one mile to stop. Even if you’re not directly in front of the train, you could be hit you if you are in the right-of-way next to the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions, and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further.

• Never walk or drive down a train track

Walking down a track might seem like fun, but you are taking a serious chance of being hit by a train. Not only is it illegal, it’s dangerous. Stay off railroad bridges and trestles and tunnels. They are not wide enough for both you and the train at the same time.

• Obey flashing lights

Flashing red lights signal that a train is approaching. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so.

• Railroad tracks are for trains

Do not use railroad trestles for hunting, fishing, or bungee jumping because there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Also, do not walk, run, cycle, or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, railroad rights-of-way, or through tunnels.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact Phillips and Webster's Seattle and Bellevue-area office. Our railroad accident attorneys have achieved substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients across Washington State.

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Contact Our Railroad Accident Attorneys

Phillips & Webster is devoted exclusively to the representation of individuals and families who suffer injury or death as the result of another's negligent, reckless, or careless conduct. Serving Bellevue and Seattle, Washington, our railroad accident attorneys can help you obtain just compensation for your injuries. Contact Phillips & Webster today to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.

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