KC Train Accidents

Kansas City Train Accident Lawyers

Seasoned advocates for injury victims when trains crash or derail

Riders can take Amtrak trains to Kansas City from the rest of the country, and vice-versa. Five major railways (Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian Pacific) all have access to Kansas City through The Kansas City Terminal Railway. Commuters can use Kansas City Regional Transport most hours of every day.

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our personal injury lawyers represent victims who are injured while riding as railway passengers, the occupants of cars and trucks, pedestrians, and bicycle riders. Our Kansas City accident lawyers work with the federal, state, and local agencies that regulate and investigate any type of train accident. We also work with a team of train industry professionals. Our lawyers have earned the respect of former clients, insurance companies, and defense attorneys for our strong advocacy on behalf of injury victims and the families of loved ones killed in a train wreck. We have the experience and resources to help hold train companies and other defendants liable for your injuries.

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How often do train accidents happen?

Nationwide, in 2021, there were 9,251 railroad accidents, with 5,735 people injured. There were 901 fatalities. According to the Federal Railroad Association, the number of railway accidents in Missouri and Kansas were as follows over the past four years:

Missouri

  • 2021: 41 accidents
  • 2020: 49 accidents.
  • 2019: 61 accidents
  • 2018: 57 accidents

Kansas

  • 2021: 71 accidents
  • 2020: 62 accidents.
  • 2019: 73 accidents
  • 2018: 46 accidents

What are the different types of train accidents?

Train accidents can happen because of a problem with the train itself, a problem with the tracks, or a problem with the railway station. Some of the common types of accidents our Kansas City train accident lawyers are ready to handle include:

  • Derailments. This type of accident involves a train leaving the tracks. Common causes of derailments include a train striking something on the tracks, broken rails, defective brakes, or other defective equipment, and speeding around a curve too fast.
  • Collisions with other trains. It’s every passenger’s and every operator’s nightmare. A head-on collision, a sideswipe, or a backing-out collision with another train. Common causes include signaling errors and miscommunication.
  • Train accidents with motor vehicles. A common and often deadly accident involves vehicles crossing tracks without seeing the oncoming train, or cars or trucks rushing to beat the oncoming train. These accidents generally occur where the railroad crossbars aren’t working or there aren’t any railroad crossbars. Train drivers do need to use their horns to warn drivers – even when they don’t see any drivers on the tracks. Some cars stall while they’re crossing the tracks.
  • Pedestrian accidents. Some of these accidents, sadly, are due to suicides. Others may be due to trespassing or trying to walk across the tracks instead of at the railroad crossing.
  • Train station accidents. Many accidents happen when a passenger is trying to board or exit a train. If the steps or landing area to board or leave the train are slippery, a passenger can easily slip and fall. Negligent security may be another cause of accidents, especially when passengers wait for trains at night.

Train passengers may also be hurt while they are moving from one car to another car of a train.

Who is responsible for a Kansas City train accident?

Our Kansas City Injury Accident Attorneys work with the Federal Railroad Administration and other agencies that investigate train accidents. We also work with railroad accident professionals when necessary. We file claims against all responsible defendants, who often include:

  • The operator of the train. Operator negligence includes:
    • Driver distraction such as using a cell phone
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
    • Driver fatigue
    • Not switching tracks correctly
    • Failure to follow standard safety protocols
    • Failure to brake properly
    • Driving too fast for the railroad track and traffic conditions
  • The entity that owned the train – whether it is a private or public entity. The owners of the trains are generally liable for any negligent acts of their drivers. Train companies may also be liable for failing to vet their drivers and educate their drivers. Train companies may also be liable for not inspecting the railroads and tracks and making proper repairs.
  • Manufacturers of defective train parts, railroad crossing parts, train station parts, and other equipment and tools. Defective equipment may include:
    • Brakes
    • Crossing gates
    • Communication equipment
    • Signaling equipment
    • Handrails

Other possible defendants include companies that have the responsibility to maintain and/or repair the trains and train stations including snow and ice removal, train door operation, lighting, security, and warning signs. Drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles that caused the accident may also be liable.

What are common injuries from Kansas City train accidents?

The types of injuries and seriousness depend on how the accident happened. A train derailment may kill or catastrophically injure multiple victims. A wet landing area may result in a slip and fall of a passenger. Our Kanas City train accident lawyers handle all types of serious injuries, including:

Personal injury damages generally include your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of bodily function. Many train accidents such as derailments are fatal. When a loved one is killed in a train wreck, we file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family. Wrongful death damages generally include funeral and burial costs, the financial losses suffered by the premature death of your loved one, and the loss of guidance and support the decedent would have provided his/her family.

Do you have a train accident lawyer near me?

Our Kansas City train accident lawyers discuss your rights when we meet with you. Our Kansas City office is located at 510 Walnut, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO in the River Market area. There is convenient parking. We do meet clients away from the office and by video chat when needed.

We also maintain offices in Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and St. Joseph, Missouri, as well as in, Olathe, Overland Park, and the other Kansas City, KS.

Your initial consultation is free. We handle claims on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive a payment if we win or your case settles.

Speak with our Kansas City train accident attorneys now

Train accident claims normally involve multiple victims and multiple defendants. Most victims suffer very serious injuries. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our aim is to help you get back on your feet and receive rightful justice and compensation after your accident. To assert your rights, call us at 816-471-5111 or use our contact form to schedule your free consultation.

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