Even though trains no longer run through the city, freight trains and Amtrak passenger lines remain common in the region. If you were struck by a train or lost a loved one in this way, contact a Winona train accident lawyer for help. We can also assist people who were injured while riding an Amtrak train or during a derailment.
Train accident claims can be complicated because they often involve catastrophic injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Maschka Personal Injury have extensive experience representing injured people in these cases with a record of outstanding results.
Many of these accidents involve a train striking a motor vehicle at a crossing or a person on the tracks. This type of accident is often fatal, and survivors may have permanent injuries. Passengers who suffer harm on the train may fully recover, although more severe injuries are common when two trains collide or a derailment occurs.
Some survivors of train accidents suffer spinal cord injuries that cause full or partial paralysis. Brain injuries can impact a survivor’s cognitive function, mobility, speech, mood, and personality. Survivors may also suffer burns, amputations, complex fractures, and damage to their internal organs that interferes with their breathing, digestion, and other bodily functions.
If you were hurt in a train accident, it may take many months before doctors can confidently predict the extent of your likely recovery. It is essential to resist any attempts to settle the case before you know the long-term impact of your injury. Instead, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin building a robust Winona train accident case while fending off premature settlement offers from responsible parties.
In many cases, the company operating the train or contractors working for the railroad may be liable for an accident. Other potentially responsible parties include the manufacturers of the locomotive and switching equipment, a local government, or the owner of the cargo, if the cargo causes an injury.
In a Winona injury case involving a train accident, our attorneys gather all available evidence to determine the responsible parties. Trains have electronic data recorders that can provide useful evidence. We also review:
When other parties are involved, such as another driver, we scrutinize any evidence regarding them.
Sometimes, you or your loved one may be partially responsible for an accident involving multiple parties. Minnesota Statutes §604.01 allows you to collect damages as long as you are not primarily at fault, but the amount you receive will be reduced. You can have a candid discussion about your role in the accident with our attorney, who will explain your legal position regarding fault and damages.
Accidents involving locomotives can produce catastrophic or even fatal injuries. If you are facing a situation like this, you should work with an out-state lawyer with big-city knowledge and experience.
Maschka Personal Injury offers free initial consultations, and we do not charge unless we win compensation for you. Reach out to a Winona train accident lawyer as soon as you can to discuss your case.
