Two Train Crashes on One Day? Time to Reevaluate

A train and truck collision on SW 29^th St forced shutdowns of roads for days. The accident happened around 8:30 am on the morning of September 9th. The BNSF Railway train struck a truck. Fortunately, the driver of the truck was not severely injured, and the 60 passengers onboard the train were uninjured. No reason has been given for why the truck was on the tracks, according to Fox News 25.

This was the second collision involving a BSNF Railway train. Earlier that day, UCO football player Derek Loccident was struck by a train while he was walking on the tracks. According to News 9, “He reportedly climbed under the train to cross the tracks when the train started moving and cut off his foot.”

Two BSNF Railway accidents in one day is two too many. We suppose it could be some kind of terrible coincidence, but shouldn’t there be some kind of warning in place to let an engineer know there’s a person under the train? Or that there’s a truck on the tracks?

Why train accidents are so dangerous and complicated

Cars, motorcycles, and even many trucks are simply no match for the force of an oncoming train. If there are multiple passengers in the vehicle that is struck by the train, then all passengers are likely to need long-term medical care – if they’re lucky enough to survive. When a train derails or strikes a vehicle, the train operator and any passengers on the train can be seriously injured too.

Train accidents are complex because it can be hard to determine who was at fault. If a truck driver was  responsible, then any truck passengers could file a personal injury claim against the driver. The train operator and passengers could also bring a lawsuit against the driver.

If the train operator is responsible, then experienced truck accident and car accident lawyers are needed to determine who should be held accountable besides the train operator. Owners of the truck and companies that hired the truck driver may also bear legal responsibility.

If the train operator was liable, then things can get even more complex. In addition to state laws, there may be federal laws that govern the operation of trains. Another complexity is whether the claim should be brought in state or federal court. Often, the owner of the train is based in a state other than where the accident happened.

Sometimes, it is necessary to use accident reconstruction professionals who use computer and engineering analysis to determine how the crash happened.

Our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers handle every type of truck accident. At Cunningham & Mears, we have 105 years of combined experience fighting for injury victims and families. We help Oklahoma victims of negligence get compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, and other damages. We have the resources and skill to take on trucking companies, other businesses, and insurance companies. Please call our law office today at 405.212.9234 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis.