train accidents

February 12, 2021

Smart Train Technology and Implications for Deadly Miami Train Accidents

Americans are surrounded by smart technology, from our phones and TVs to automobile safety features and home security. As such, you might not be surprised to know that these advancements have made their way to the railroad transportation sector. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported on some recent developments, which include a $26 billion annual investment in smart trains by companies and governments globally. The point is to enhance safety through technology, so these measures are welcome in Florida, which ranks sixth in terms of US railroad accidents.

Still, despite enormous investment to make trains smarter, accidents will remain a threat. You should discuss your circumstances with a Miami personal injury lawyer if you were hurt or lost a loved one, since you could qualify to recover compensation for your losses. It is also interesting to learn about the technology that shows promise in reducing the risk of collisions.

Train Accident Statistics

May 20, 2016

Jeep and Train involved in Fatal Accident

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Railroad companies across this nation have strict rules to follow. Most of the rules serve purposes of safety and protection of motorists and pedestrians. As you may know, sometimes railroad companies do not follow said rules. This can cause fatal accidents. Yet, train passengers and nearby motorists can be injured or even killed by trains even when train companies follow the rules.

For instance, recently in Plant City, Florida, a passenger in a SUV was killed when a train struck the vehicle. This accident occurred at the railroad crossing for Candis Road and Paul Buckman Highway. 19-year-old Bruce Dean drove the vehicle. Mr. Dean, apparently, attempted to beat the train through the intersection. During this failed attempt, the train forcefully smashed into the passenger side of the SUV. The passenger died at the scene. Per statistics, the overall most common cause of railroad accidents occurs at railway crossings. As in the above-mentioned incident, motorists make attempts to beat oncoming trains through the intersection. In actuality, studies find that this type of accident in the United States occurs every 90 minutes.

If you or a loved one is injured from a train accident, at the fault of the railway or train company, it is imperative to hire an experienced personal injury attorney for your case. The Miami personal injury lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz, PA are here for you.

November 27, 2015

Florida to Install Fences Around Train Tracks After Two Fatal Accidents this Month

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

The Florida Department of Transportation is planning to install fences around Amtrak train tracks in Seminole County after the death of two pedestrians in November. FDOT anticipates spending $300,000 to place a 6-foot high chain link fence around four miles of tracks that pedestrians commonly cross. The two separate incidents that instigated the fence project occurred when a pedestrian crossed the tracks and was struck by the train. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a railroad accident contact a Miami Railroad Accident Attorney.

The first fatal incident occurred in downtown Orlando when a man crossed the tracks in broad daylight. Despite the conductor’s best efforts at attempting to stop the train, the train struck and killed the man on the tracks. The Orlando police describe the incident as an apparent suicide.

The second death happened in Altamonte Springs, a town north of Orlando, when a woman crossed the tracks at night and was killed by an Amtrak train. Police are still investigating the matter and the cause of the accident has not yet been determined.