October 31, 2022 | By Greene Broillet & Wheeler
Train accidents are a relatively rare occurrence, but they do happen. And when they do, the results can be catastrophic. In this blog post, we will discuss some train accident statistics that may surprise you. We will also look at what causes these accidents and how to prevent them. Keep reading for more information.
Did you know that, in 2018, there were a total of 794 railroad deaths in the United States? This is according to data from the National Safety Council (NSC). And while this number may seem small, it’s actually an increase from two years before. In 2016, there were only 761 railroad deaths.
What’s even more alarming is that these numbers have been rising. In fact, data from the NSC shows that there were 893 railroad deaths in 2021, which is a 20% increase from the 744 railroad deaths that occurred in 2020. These are the highest rates of railroad fatalities since the year 2007.
Similarly, there was a 4% increase in the number of nonfatal injuries from 2020 to 2021. In 2020, there were 5,544 nonfatal injuries related to railroad tracks, while in 2021, that number increased to 5,781.
What causes these train accidents? There are many factors that contribute.
For example, human error can be a major factor. Things like speeding, operating a train while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failing to properly maintain equipment are all factors that can cause a train crash. Other causes include weather conditions and track problems.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a train accident, you may be owed compensation for your losses. Don’t delay—reach out to our skilled team right away to learn more about what we can do to help with your case.