Important Steps to Take After a Railroad Accident
Railroads are a crucial part of the nation’s transportation system, serving as a popular option for the transportation of goods and materials as well as passenger travel in major metro areas. However, the speed and size of trains make them a serious risk to any obstacles they may come across—including people and vehicles.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a railroad accident, you must act quickly to protect yourself and seek compensation. Call Burge & Burge at 800-633-3733 to set up a consultation now.
Follow All Instructions
If you are a passenger on the train when it collides with something, listen for directions on the overhead system. Railways have a strict protocol that they must follow when there’s an accident, and passenger safety is the top priority during this time. The conductor may give strict evacuation orders, and you want to make sure that you are exiting from the appropriate door and heading in the appropriate direction. In some cases, you may be ordered to remain on the train until the obstacle has been safely moved.
Document the Accident and Your Injuries
If you’ve been injured, either as a passenger in the train or an occupant of another vehicle struck by a train, you’ll want evidence to get compensation for your injuries. Drivers hit by trains should take as many pictures as possible of the crash scene, as well as of their injuries. Make sure to capture your car from multiple angles to show the extent of the damage. Take photos of your injuries and continue to take photos of your injuries throughout the treatment process so you can track their progress.
Once you are safe and settled from the crash, spend some time writing down what happened and what you noticed about the crash. You will forget the details of the crash as time passes, but you’ll want to retain those memories for use in your personal injury claim.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
This is non-negotiable. Too many victims skip medical care because they think they can wait out their injury, rest until it heals, or seek care at a later date. This makes it very difficult to seek compensation down the road—the longer you wait to see a doctor, the more likely it is that the insurance company will question if the injuries were really a result of the accident. On top of that, some injuries aren’t immediately visible but can still put your life at risk. A full medical workup is the only way to detect these injuries and get the treatment you need immediately.
When you go to the doctor, keep copies of everything you get. This includes treatment plans, diagnostic results, copay receipts, and follow-up appointment reminders. Medical care is often one of the most expensive parts of a personal injury claim, and you’ll want as much documentation as possible.
Reach Out to a Railroad Accident Attorney
Your first call after being seen by a doctor should be a railroad accident attorney. Railroad accident claims can be incredibly complex, and you need an attorney with substantial experience in this field.
There’s a lot riding on any personal injury claim, so why are railroad accident claims so much more complex? A lot depends on who owns and manages the railroad. If it is a private company, your claim will be fairly standard in nature. However, if it is a railroad managed by the government, your claim will have to follow an entirely different process.
A claim against a municipality must be initiated within six months of the date of injury. But first, you must file a claim form with the appropriate government agency. If you fail to file your notice of claim, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit. Your attorney can help you navigate this process.
Contact Burge & Burge to Start Your Claim
The team at Burge & Burge is here to help you with the complexities of your railroad accident claim. It’s time to talk to our team and find out what your legal options are. Give us a call at 800-633-3733 or send us a quick message online to schedule a consultation with our railroad accident attorneys.
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