The Law Firm of Alexander D. Crecca, PC, has broad experience in dealing with deaths and injuries caused by railroad negligence. Mr. Crecca has brought claims against and fought the railroads in cases of wrongful death and catastrophic personal injuries caused by railroad negligence.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to railroad conduct, contact us for help.

Here is some general information regarding railroads and railroad caused deaths and injuries in the United States:

There are complex laws that govern railroad operations in the United States. These laws set forth standards of conduct which the railroads must comply. When a railroad or train accident does occur, these laws govern whether or not the railroad company is liable for the deaths or injuries it has caused. There are many factors that must be examined and investigated in determining if a railroad company was at fault and could have prevented the deaths or injuries by properly maintaining equipment, properly training personnel and exercising the proper care over operations. When a crossing gate does not work, a light is defective or a warning does not sound, a railroad often has failed to exercise its ordinary duty of care.

The National Transportation Safety Board indicates that 60% of all crossing fatalities occur at unprotected crossings and that approximately 80% of all public railroad crossings are not protected by lights and safety gates. The most common types or railroad accidents are collisions with other trains, derailment, collisions with passenger vehicles, improperly maintained tracks, mechanical failure and driver inexperience and fatigue.

Railroad incident statistics and federal regulations show the following:

1. Every 90 minutes there is a train collision or derailment.

2. A train carrying hazardous material goes off the tracks approximately every 2 weeks in the United States.

3. Railroads are essentially self-regulated and do come under the close scrutiny of the federal government.

4. Rail companies continue to rely on technology that was developed over 70 years ago and very little effort has been made to update safety measures.

5. Local jurisdictions often have no control over the train travel in their area resulting in delays for local emergency response to catastrophic situations in the community.

6. More than 50% of all railroad accidents occur at unprotected crossings and, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, over 80% of railroad crossings don't have adequate warning devices.

7. Statistics may show that although "vehicle v. train collisions" have decreased in the last few years, "pedestrian v. train collisions" have increased.

When a death or injury occurs, it must be determined that the railroad company was, in fact, responsible for the accident and was acting in a negligent manner. If the railroad is found responsible, it must then be determined to what extent they are at fault for those deaths or injuries.

Contact The Law Firm of Alexander D. Crecca, PC for help with your injuries and losses caused by railroad negligence.