Listening to earphones while riding a bicycle across train tracks seems to be the cause of the death of a 32 year-old Utah man according to officials. While the train intersection was in the middle of a downtown area and the train was thought to only be traveling at approximately 25 mph, the bicyclist never seemed to see or hear the train lights or sirens as he crossed the tracks.  Even though the train conductor utilized the emergency brakes, the man was still carried almost 100 feet down the tracks after the initial train collision.  Trains traveling even at a rate of 25 to 30 miles an hour have a great deal of inertia and cannot stop very quickly.  Seemingly, the young man was lost in his thoughts or the music and failed to hear the multiple train whistle blows.  Safety experts caution using earphones while operating any type of moving vehicle and say it can be perilous as a pedestrian as well if traveling on busy sidewalks or streets.  Serious and even fatal injuries can occur when distracted by earphones or loud music.  And how many of us are guilty of using headphones while driving or running on busy streets every day?

Have you been injured or lost a loved one due to a railroad related accident?

    While sometimes fault lies with the individual that crashes into the train, sometimes proper warnings do not exist regarding train crossings.   As well, in some instances, trains exceed the recommended or maximum speed limits.  After a train accident, a thorough investigation must be completed to determine all of the contributing factors. Catastrophic injuries are often the result of collisions with trains if not death.  If you or a loved one has been the victim of a train crash, contact a St. Louis attorney with experience in freight regulations  in order to protect your interests.  You may be entitled to medical expenses, loss of wages and suffering if any safety violations have been committed on behalf of the freight companies. While collisions with trains are often fatal, a wrongful death claim may be available if you have lost a loved one.

On-the-Job Railroad Accident Injuries?

    The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad employees who are injured on the job to file a lawsuit to recover damages from his/her employeer when negligence occurred on the part of the employeer or another employee.  This act is not to be confused with Workers' Compensation.  Under conditions of FELA, the injured employee may recover punitive damages that they would not be entitled to under Workers' Compensation, however, FELA is a complicated statute. Therefore, it is highly recommended that an injured employee or family of a killed employee to consult a FELA attorney in order to protect the victims rights.  
    At the Cagle Law Firm, an experienced St. Louis Accident Attorney can review your claim and help you file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your accident or injury or to help you to determine if you have a wrongful death claim or a claim for personal injury damages contact the Cagle Law firm today.
    To schedule a consultation to discuss your claim, please contact the firm today at (800) 716-2621