Missouri Man Dies in Car-Train Accident
A man died from injuries sustained in a car-train accident in Monroe County, Missouri. The man was allegedly driving when his car got stuck on railroad tracks; an electromotive train that could not be stopped struck his vehicle. A passenger in his car also sustained serious injuries. The railroad crossing was not controlled by signals.
The Federal Railroad Association (FRA) has implemented regulations to specifically handle "railroad signal systems." This regulation is in reference to a block signal system, which means an interlocking, automatic train stop, train control, or cab-signal device, or a similar device, intended to promote safety in railroad operations.
The FRA requires that a railroad carrier periodically inspect and test the signal systems and report any malfunctions or accidents to prevent such dangerous events. A railroad carrier is supposed to report to the Secretary of Transportation a failure of a signal system to function as intended. If the failure results in a railroad accident or incident causing injury to an individual or property that is required to be reported, the carrier owning or maintaining the signal system has to immediately report the fact of the accident or incident to the Secretary.
Liability sometimes rests with the railroad carrier, who is also responsible for signal installation, if signal systems malfunction that could have been prevented; the malfunction must be something mandated by inspection regulations. Additionally, a railroad carrier cannot be found negligent for not installing a signal system that was not included per the signal system order, even if such the uninstalled portion caused an accident or train accident injury. However, the lines in liability are not always so clear.
As an experienced Missouri railroad accident firm, we are happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. If requested, I will immediately alert our railroad accident investigation team and begin taking the same action as the railroad's investigation team.
The call and consultation are free. I can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call me personally and I will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
If you don't want to call or you can't call, you can email me at john@pagecagle.com. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you through these trying times. You can also visit my website, www.RailroadAccidentLawGroup.com
