According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were 7,432 railroad accidents in the United States in the 2020 calendar year. Unfortunately, the State of Colorado is no exception to statistics like this.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a railroad accident in or near Aurora, CO, know that you are not alone. Contact the team at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. to discuss your case with an experienced railroad accident injury lawyer. Let’s see how we can help you start the pathway toward recovery today.
Railroad Accident Injury Claim Lawsuits: An Overview
Unfortunately, stories of railroad accidents in the Colorado news are all too common. But if you’ve never been involved in such an accident before, you may not know what to expect or where to go from here.
Here are a few important things to know about railroad accident lawsuits and their causes.
Most Common Railroad Accident Causes
There are many factors that contribute to railroad accidents in the United States. According to the FRA, some of the most common railroad accident causes include:
- Switches that are improperly aligned;
- Failure to comply with restricted speed;
- Object or equipment on the railroad tracks;
- Snow, ice, mud, or gravel on railroad tracks;
- Extreme wind velocity;
- Equipment defects; and
- Human control error.
No matter how your railroad accident occurs, the results can be devastating. Thus, be sure to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you fight for your rights and recovery.
Railroad Accident Injury Statistics
According to the FRA’s Colorado statistics, there were 103 total railroad accident-related casualties in the state in 2020. 13 of these casualties resulted in a fatality. Victims included railroad employees, contractors, train passengers, and trespassers.
Some of the most common non-fatal injuries reported include:
- Cuts, bruises, and contusions;
- Sprains and strains;
- Bone fractures;
- Object in eyes;
- Internal injuries;
- Ruptures and tears; and
- Concussions and other head injuries.
It’s essential that you consult with a medical professional as soon as possible after your Colorado railroad accident. You must do this to treat any existing injuries, prevent injuries from getting worse, and get a prompt and proper diagnosis. If you wait before seeing a doctor, the insurance company will likely claim that any injuries were the result of some other event that happened after the railroad accident. This is one tactic they use to attempt to deny your claim. Don’t give them the ammunition.
Is There a Railroad Accident Lawsuit Average Settlement Amount?
No, unfortunately, there is no average railroad accident settlement amount. This is because there are a variety of factors to take into consideration in determining your potential recovery.
For example, the amount of your potential settlement depends on factors such as:
- The extent and severity of your injuries;
- Whether you’ve suffered emotional trauma or pain and suffering in addition to your physical injuries;
- The total amount of your medical expenses and other recoverable expenses you’ve incurred;
- Whether the accident resulted in any long-term or permanent disability;
- The amount of time you’ve had to spend away from work in recovery; and
- Whether you were partially at fault for causing the accident that resulted in your injuries.
While there may not be any average settlement amount in a Colorado railroad accident case, this doesn’t mean there’s no way to determine what you might reasonably expect to recover. A qualified lawyer will know what factors to consider and how these factors will impact your potential recovery.
Do I Really Need an Attorney for My Railroad Accident Lawsuit?
In short, no. You don’t need to hire a lawyer for your Aurora, CO, railroad accident lawsuit. Nevertheless, many injury victims choose to do so because of the many benefits an attorney provides.
For example, an experienced railroad accident injury lawyer can help you:
- Find and collect crucial evidence and witnesses to help support your case;
- Assess your injuries and damages to determine what your case is worth;
- Negotiate a potential settlement with opposing parties and their insurers; and
- Prepare for and take your case to trial when a fair and favorable settlement is not possible.
Thus, while there’s no legal rule requiring you to hire a lawyer, having one for your case is often one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of success.
Why Hire Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., As Your Aurora Railroad Accident Attorneys
Railroad accident lawyers are a dime a dozen in Colorado. So, you might be wondering why you should hire our Aurora railroad accident lawyers. Here are a few reasons why we think we stand out above the rest:
- We have an entire practice area dedicated to helping railroad injury victims recover compensation;
- Our firm has a total of over 75 years of experience;
- We are a smaller firm and pride ourselves on not taking on hundreds of cases at a time to better ensure that each of our clients get the attention they deserve;
- Our attorneys have a record of success in obtaining fantastic results for our clients;
- We have a physician on staff in attorney Eric Steiner, so we are extremely well-equipped to assist our clients in evaluating their injuries and presenting their cases to a jury; and
- We are honored to have received countless positive reviews and testimonials from our past clients.
Dealing with the aftermath of a railroad accident is never easy. But having the right team in your corner can make all the difference. We hope to be that team for you.
Our Aurora Railroad Accident Attorneys Can Help
Navigating a lawsuit on your own can be legally complex, confusing, and emotionally draining. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle this on your own. Let us take the weight off your shoulders and help you fight for your rights.
At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we fight for the rights of injury victims in Colorado each and every day. Thus, when you hire us, you can feel confident knowing that our team is in your corner and will always have your best interests at heart. When you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, contact us for your free case review.
Our experienced legal team handles other types of cases as well, including:
- Personal Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Criminal Defense
- Estate Planning and Probate
- Fiduciary & Estate Litigation
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Appellate Work
- DUI/DUID