Lawyers for Amtrak Train Derailment Crash in Philadelphia
As federal and state investigators continue look into an Amtrak train accident that occurred last night in Philadelphia, it is important for passengers and family members of individuals injured in the crash to understand that they have important legal rights that should be considered following this traumatic event.
▸ Contact Our Amtrak Train Accident Lawyers If You or a Loved One Were Involved In This Crash
Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188 derailed shortly after 9 p.m. last night, on the Northeast Corridor from Washington to New York.
Seven cars derailed, with some tipped on the sides, some flipped almost completely over and some ripped nearly apart. Passengers and crew were thrown around inside the cars, with some ending up stuck in overhead luggage racks due to the sheer force of the crash.
The train was carrying 238 passengers and five crew members.
Update as of May 14, 2015:
Eight deaths have been confirmed and it appears that nearly all passengers involved in the train accident have suffered varying degrees of injury, with many hospitalized in critical condition.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, reports suggest that this Amtrak train derailment was not the result of a terrorist attack or any natural disaster. It appears increasingly likely that human error, speed, faulty equipment or failures to follow the appropriate standard of care may have contributed to the wrongful deaths and personal injuries suffered by passengers involved in the train derailment.
According to preliminary reports by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the train hit a dangerous curve in the tracks at 102 miles per hour, even though the speed limit in the area is only 50 m.p.h.
Just second before the train went into the bend and derailed, the speed was recorded at 106 m.p.h. and the lone engineer aboard the train hit the emergency brakes.
Several transportation experts have suggested that the accident could have been prevented if available speed control technology had been in place, which would have automatically slowed the train down to the speed limit. Such systems are in place on much of Amtrak’s tracks, but not where the accident occurred. As a result of Amtrak’s failure to implement this system nationwide, Congress previously ordered that all U.S. rails have such safety systems in place by the end of this year. Unfortunately, that mandate will come too late for those on the Amtrak Northeast Regional train that derailed Tuesday night.
Amtrak Train Crash Lawsuits
The attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential claims for individuals involved in the accident or family members of those severely injured or killed. While the investigation continues, it is important that you and your family take steps to ensure your legal rights are protected.
In addition to the accident investigation and potential criminal charges that may stem from this crash, it is likely that many Amtrak train derailment lawsuits will be filed against companies or individuals responsible for this crash.
All accident cases are handled by the injury lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. under a contingency fee agreement, which means that there are never any out-of-pocket expenses to hire an attorney and we are only paid a fee or reimbursed expenses if a recovery is obtained.
To request a free consultation, call our office toll free at 1-800-522-0102 or complete our on-line request form.
Image via Wikimedia Creative Commons
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