While trains are a valuable form of transportation, Oklahoma City residents may be at risk. Several news articles have reported pedestrians hit by trains in Oklahoma City this month.
Recent Train Accidents in Oklahoma City
Police were called to Northwest 70th Street and North Shartel Avenue to respond to a train accident on May 1, 2022. Unfortunately, a person killed by a train while walking along the tracks. Investigators aren’t yet sure whether it was intentional or accidental.
On May 11, two people were walking close to a moving train near Northwest Third Street and Rockwell Avenue. The train hit at least one of them, injuring their head and leg. Emergency responders brought them to the hospital for their moderate injuries.
How Do Pedestrians Typically Get Hit by Trains?
Being hit by a train isn’t always a result of a pedestrian walking on the tracks. There are a few ways train accidents occur, such as the following:
- Poorly maintained tracks or equipment
- Train operators under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Train operators working while drowsy
- Inexperienced train operators
- Unmarked railroad crossings
- Train defects
- Uneven surfaces, gravel, and other hazards near tracks
How Often Do People Get Injured or Killed by Trains in Oklahoma?
Railroad accidents occur too often in Oklahoma, as shown by the following data on railroad deaths and injuries from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA):
- Oklahoma ranked number 15 in the United States for its number of railroad collisions one recent year.
- The state had 45 train accidents, causing 3 deaths and 25 injuries.
- Nationally, there were 2,131 highway-rail crossing collisions that year. The collisions caused 237 fatalities and 653 injuries across the U.S.
Who Is Liable for Injuries and Fatalities from Railroad Accidents?
There are a several parties who could potentially be held responsible for your injuries after a train collision, including the following:
- The railroad company — The railroad company must maintain safety standards for track maintenance and their drivers.
- The train operator — When the train operator’s error causes a railroad accident, they may be liable.
- Track or train maintenance workers — The track and train maintenance employees must make sure all components are safe and ready for travel.
- The manufacturer — If a defective train component causes an accident, they could be at fault.
A skilled Oklahoma railroad accident lawyer can review your case and help identify all liable parties. They can then help you seek financial recovery for your losses by filing a personal injury claim.
Contact an Oklahoma City Train Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a railroad collision, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Call or contact our experienced train accident attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons online today for a free consultation.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
