Every year, people suffer severe injuries and die in train accidents in Las Vegas. Statistics regarding annual railroad deaths highlight the persistent dangers found at crossings and on tracks. While trains are generally a safe mode of transportation, train car derailments, collisions with motor vehicles and train-pedestrian accidents do occur. If you were hurt or a loved one passed away in a serious Las Vegas train accident, learn your rights by consulting with an experienced Las Vegas train accident attorney.
What Causes Train Accidents?
Train accidents can occur on passenger trains or the Las Vegas monorail, such as falls or assaults in train cars. They can also refer to cargo-carrying train accidents, such as the United Pacific Railroad colliding with pedestrians, bicyclists or motorists. Finally, train accidents can refer to tragic derailments and catastrophic train-on-train collisions.
Common causes of train accidents in the Las Vegas area include unsafe railway crossings, a lack of warning signs for pedestrians, poorly maintained tracks and signals, poor train maintenance, inadequate security, and train operator negligence. These incidents can cause injuries ranging from broken bones and traumatic brain damage to permanent paralysis from a spinal cord injury.
Who Pays for Injuries Caused by a Las Vegas Train Accident?
In Las Vegas, Nevada, a fault-based law presides over train accidents. This allows injured accident victims to seek damages or financial compensation from the person or party that caused the wreck. Depending on the cause of the train accident, the liable party could be any of the following:
- The train or railway company
- The train operator
- The City of Las Vegas or State of Nevada government
- A train or equipment manufacturer
- Drivers or third parties
Determining fault for a train accident in Las Vegas may require an investigation of the facts. Evidence used to support a claim can include the train’s black box data, train maintenance and inspection records, operator logs, photos and videos, witnesses, and experts.
Steps to Take After a Train Accident
It is important to take the right steps after a harmful train accident in Las Vegas to set yourself up for the most effective claims process possible. Here’s what to do:
- If you were driving a vehicle, pull over in a safe location and check for injuries.
- Visit the nearest hospital or medical center for professional care without delay.
- Exchange information with everyone else involved.
- Take pictures of the crash scene and your injuries.
- Look around for crash footage from traffic, surveillance or dashboard cameras.
- Report the train accident to the City of Las Vegas or the railway company.
- File a claim with the correct insurance company/ies based on fault.
- Keep up with medical care and treatments as you heal.
- Obtain copies of your medical records and other proof of losses.
- Before accepting any settlements, consult with a train accident attorney in Las Vegas to understand the true value of your claim.
In Nevada, you generally have no more than two years from the date of the train accident to file a related personal injury lawsuit. However, you must file an insurance claim much sooner – often within a day or two of the accident.
How a Train Accident Lawyer Can Help You in Las Vegas
Train accidents in Las Vegas can lead to complex legal claims, with catastrophic losses or deaths, high-value settlements, multiple liable parties, and insurance company disputes. You can proceed with a claim with confidence after hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you.
A law firm with experience in train accidents will have the knowledge and resources to investigate the accident, build evidence, negotiate with insurance providers and take your case to court in Clark County, if necessary. Your lawyer will fight for maximum compensation for your train accident case while you spend your time focusing on healing.