Arizona Train Safety Tips

Trains are an important means of transportation for many people to get from one place to another. They also provide logistical support for moving cargo. While most train operators are professional and engage in safe driving practices, accidents can still take place. When you are injured in an Arizona train accident it may seem confusing as to what your legal rights are regarding how to obtain compensation for your injuries. When you have to seek medical treatment for your injuries and if your injuries are so severe that they limit you from going back to work for some time, you need financial support to help you with your mounting bills. Working with an Arizona personal injury attorney will be helpful for you to get the compensation you need and deserve.

There are approximately 2,000 miles of railroad track that traverse the state of Arizona. While train accidents don’t take place as frequently as car accidents when they do occur they tend to be lethal. So far in 2020, there have been 3,458 incidents involving trains and railways as reported by the Federal Railroad Administration. Depending on the circumstances during an accident any of the following or a combination of the following can be held responsible:

• The train company
• The train operator
• Train manufacturer
• Train component manufacturer
• Government agency responsible for train operations and/or train ownership

How Can You Stay Safe When You are Near Trains?

Arizona stands out as the one state in the nation that has more than one railroad crossing listed in the FRA’s list of most dangerous crossings. The list includes the following Arizona railroad crossings:

• West Thomas Road, east of North 27th Avenue in Phoenix
• North 35th Avenue, south of U.S. 60 and West Indian School Road in Phoenix
• North 43rd Avenue, south of U.S. 60 in Glendale
• North 27th Avenue, north of West Thomas Road in Phoenix
• The 5100 block of West Bethany Home Road in Glendale

If you are near a railroad track keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Don’t take a chance speeding through a train crossing when you can see a train coming. Trains move very quickly and it is easy to misjudge their speed.
• Their speed and size mean that when they are coming down the track they aren’t going to be able to stop immediately. When the train operator slows the train down to a stop it will take time and the train will continue to travel some distance before it eventually stops.
• When you see the gates lowered, don’t ignore them. Do not walk around them or ride your bike through them.
• The width of a train is wider than that of the track so only cross if you know you won’t have to stop on the track.
• Exit your vehicle immediately if it becomes stuck on train tracks. There should be a number to call located on an Emergency Notification System sign.
• Be aware that there can be many trains traveling along a multiple track area, so be alert.

When Should You Speak with an Arizona Train Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured in an Arizona train accident, you will need an experienced legal professional that is best suited to represent your interests. The Phoenix train accident attorneys at ELG will fight for every dollar you are entitled to. Call the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at ELG today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.