Kansas City Train Accident Lawyer

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Have you been involved in a train accident in Kansas City, MO? Train accident claims can be complicated, and it’s important to seek legal advice soon after the accident. An experienced Kansas City train accident lawyer at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your personal pain and suffering.

Since 2002, our lawyers have fought hard to recover fair compensation for our injured clients. We’ve used more than 30 years of experience to recover over $70 million in settlements and verdicts for accident victims like you.

There is no risk in reaching out to our lawyers to discuss your case. Contact our law offices at (816) 408-3448 in Kansas City, Missouri, to schedule a free consultation today.

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How Can Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Train Accident in Kansas City, MO?

Accidents involving trains can be devastating. Even if your injuries will heal with time, the emotional scars can haunt you for years. If someone else was responsible, you deserve to be compensated for all of the harm the accident caused and will continue to cause.

The insurers and train companies don’t make things easy for crash victims. They’ll start investigating immediately and work hard to downplay the damage the crash caused. An experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer can work to protect you.

Our team at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers has been serving clients in Kansas City for decades. We’ve earned an AV-rating from Martindale Hubbel and Perfect-10 Avvo rating. We’ve also been recognized by Super Lawyers and earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

When you hire us, you’ll benefit from a lawyer who will:

Independently investigate to determine the cause of the crash
Consult with experts who can help prove how much your case is worth
Locate all relevant evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and more
Identify the parties who can be held liable for damages
Negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement

While you focus on healing, contact our experienced Kansas City personal injury attorneys for legal representation today.

How Common Are Train Accidents?

Public transportation has been much more popular in the Kansas City metro area and across the U.S.

Amtrack’s Southwest Chief and Missouri River Runner trains provide service to Kansas City’s Union Station. The River Runner provides daily service between Kansas City and St. Louis. The Southwest Chief connects Kansas City to both Chicago and Los Angeles.

Unfortunately, train accidents have become much more common in recent years. According to National Safety Council research, 893 people were killed in railroad accidents in 2021. That’s about a 20% increase in railroad fatalities when compared to 2020.

According to the same study, at least 5,781 people sustained injuries in train accidents in 2021. Another 3,216 nonfatal occupational railroad injuries and illnesses related to railroad workers were reported that year.

Where Do Most Serious Train Accidents in Missouri Occur?

Rail crossings are one of the most dangerous places for railroad accidents. About 26% of all rail fatalities in 2021 occurred at railroad crossings. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) research confirms that the most serious train accidents in Missouri happen at railroad crossings.

According to preliminary research for 2022, 39 train accidents in Missouri occurred at railway crossings. A total of 13 people were killed, and 79 people were injured in those train wrecks.

What Is My Kansas City Train Accident Case Worth?

Here are some factors that can give you an idea about how much your case is worth:

The severity of your injuries
The cost of your medical treatment
Whether your doctor expects you to make a full recovery or suffer a permanent disability
Whether you have missed time at work and lost income
The types of emotional trauma you have suffered
Whether your injuries might impact your future work
Whether you share any blame for the accident

Trains are heavy and move at extremely fast speeds. That means severe train wrecks can cause a devastating amount of damage. It’s important to understand how much your personal injury case is worth when you’re dealing with a severe injury.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Train Accident Victims in Kansas City?

Victims of train injuries can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages under Missouri personal injury laws.

Common financial losses incurred by accident victims include:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Reduced earning potential
Physical therapy
Rehabilitation
Nursing care and assistance
Property damage
Other out-of-pocket expenses

Common non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Depression
PTSD and fear
Loss of enjoyment
Reduced quality of life
Physical disfigurement and scarring
Damages for wrongful death

Do you have questions about the types of damages you can pursue after a train accident? Call our attorneys for a free initial consultation today.

How Can Shared Fault Impact My Compensation Award After a Train Accident?

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence law. If you were partly responsible for the accident, your damages will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. However, you don’t lose your right to recover damages unless you were 100% responsible for the accident.

The opposing party can drastically reduce their liability for your injuries if they pin the blame on you. Our qualified Kansas City train accident attorneys can work to ensure you aren’t assessed more fault than is fair and respond to these allegations effectively.

We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Train Accident Injuries

The most severe train accidents can cause devastating injuries. Often, multiple people are injured in the crash. That can make recovering financial compensation even more complicated.

At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our team is here to help. Our Kansas City train accident attorneys often represent clients who have sustained:

Crushing injuries
Broken bones
Burns
Chest injuries
Soft tissue damage
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Head and neck injuries
Concussions
Whiplash
Back injuries
Organ damage
Internal bleeding
Amputations
Paralysis
Catastrophic injuries
Wrongful death of a loved one

You can count on our law firm for help regardless of the types of injuries you have suffered. You can schedule your free case evaluation by calling our team today.

What Causes Most Train Accidents in Kansas City, Missouri?

Train systems are complicated. Many different parties are involved in ensuring the smooth operation of the train system here in Kansas City. Unfortunately, one simple mistake can lead to a serious train crash. To recover fair compensation, it’s important to identify the precise causes of the accident.

Some of the most common causes of train accident injuries include:

Train car derailments
Mechanical failures
Malfunctioning safety signals
Collisions between trains and other motor vehicles
Falling onto the tracks
Speeding
Electrocution or electric shock
Defective train tracks
Defective brakes and safety equipment
Distracted train operators and engineers
Drivers who are fatigued or distracted
Unprotected railroad crossings
Failure to turn on signal lights or provide adequate warnings
Malfunctioning or improperly operated train crossing arms
Inexperienced train operators
Stalled cars on train tracks
Drivers rushing to beat a train at railway crossings
Failure to properly maintain train tracks, train stations, or platforms

Once our lawyers in Kansas City have determined the factors that contributed to your train accident, we can demand fair compensation from all responsible parties.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Train Accident in Missouri?

Negligence is a legal concept. Someone is negligent when they fail to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances.

The elements of a successful negligence claim are:

Someone owed you a legal duty of care
They breached that duty of care
The breach caused the train accident to occur
You sustained damages

Missouri state vicarious liability laws can also impact your injury claim. If the train operator or another train employee was responsible for the accident, the railroad company can be held liable for your damages.

Examples of others who may share liability for your damages include:

Companies responsible for train track maintenance
Train mechanics and maintenance companies
Manufacturers of defective safety equipment
Government agencies responsible for oversight
Third-party motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists

If you were injured, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal advice. With an experienced lawyer by your side, you’ll be much more likely to recover the fair compensation you deserve.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Train Accident in Missouri?

Yes. The statute of limitations limits the amount of time you have to take legal action after a train accident. If the defendant is a private party, you have a five-year period to build your case and file a personal injury lawsuit.

However, if a public transit authority is a defendant, you could have a much shorter time frame. That means it’s always important to seek legal guidance soon after an accident.

Our lawyers can help you determine the deadline that is relevant to your case. Call our personal injury law firm in Kansas City to schedule your free case review today.

Contact a Kansas City Train Accident Attorney for a Free Initial Consultation

If you or a loved one were injured in a train accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights. The presence of multiple victims and multiple defendants can complicate your case. Our legal team at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact an experienced Kansas City train accident lawyer at (816) 408-3448 for a free consultation today.