Train Derailment Accidents

Understanding Train Derailments

Train derailments are major transportation accidents where a train runs off its rails. These can be dangerous events, as they often result in significant damage and injuries. Derailments usually happen due to track defects, equipment faults, or operational errors. When such an incident occurs, victims may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other related costs. At Uplift Legal Funding, our mission is to assist you with your financial needs during such a challenging time. We’re here to provide pre-settlement funding to help you regain stability while you wait for the resolution of your case.

Train Derailment Statistics

Train derailments are not a common topic of discussion. However, many derailments have resulted in tragic injury and/or fatality for various types of railroad workers.

According to the Analysis of Freight Train Accident Statistics for 1972-74, freight trains belonging to Class I line-haul railroads were involved in 17,153 accidents during those years. Of these accidents, 83.8% were classified as derailments.

A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics article on railroad-related work injuries shows that transportation accidents made up seven-eighths of railroad worker fatalities from 1993 to 2002. Derailments accounted for 97 accidents during this time (or 10% of all transportation accidents). In addition, the article shows that more than two-thirds of locomotive operator fatalities resulted from onboard accidents, such as collisions and train derailments. It is important to note that locomotive operators are rarely injured as a result of being struck by a railroad vehicle. Derailments are their main cause of injury and fatality.

These statistics show the hazardous nature of train derailments and the fatal threat they pose to railroad workers.

Causes of Train Derailment

• Mechanical failure
• Broken rails – These occur when a piece falls out or becomes lodged in an incorrect location.
• Sleeper tie failure
• Mechanical failure of a running gear component
• Axlebox failure
• Wheel breakage – Common causes include deficient lubrication, leaf spring failure, or metallurgical crack propagation.
• Quasi-static failure
• Excessive wear of wheels or rails – Additionally, hot weather can cause the rail steel to expand, making it insufficient to guide the wheels.
• Earthworks slip
• Extreme interaction between track and vehicle
• Vertical bounce
• Track shift under the train
• Speeding
• Signal errors
• Improper operation of points – Accidents occur when staff forget which points to designate for which route, or when they overlook conflicting routes.
• Improper observance of signals – A driver may wrongly think they are cleared to pass over trap points, resulting in a derailment.
• Collisions with other trains, road vehicles, or other obstructions
• Level crossing collisions
• Obstructions on the rail
• Train handling
• Sudden traction or braking forces

FELA Train Derailment Lawsuits

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (known as FELA) protects railroad workers suffering from injuries on the job. To obtain compensation, a railroad worker must show that the railroad’s negligent behavior ultimately led to their injury.

Negligence on the part of the railroad includes unsafe conditions, equipment, or environments. In the case of a train derailment, foreseeable negligent acts include signal errors, lack of maintenance, and mechanical errors.

Uplift Legal Funding

Uplift Legal Funding provides financial support for railroad workers nationwide with FELA lawsuit loans. With this necessary financial assistance, railroad worker plaintiffs can withstand a lengthy trial against the railroad to reach a fair settlement. Learn more and apply today by calling us at (800) 385-3660 or visiting our website.