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Salem Railroad and Train Accident Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Salem railroad and train accident lawyers
Salem Railroad and Train Accident Lawyers
Have you recently been involved in a railroad or train accident in Salem, Oregon?
Our Salem train accident lawyers are dedicated to representing accident victims like you and fighting for the financial compensation you are entitled to. Call us at (971) 717-2450 for a free consultation today!
Types of Railroad and Train Accidents in Salem
In 2022, there were 15 people injured in Salem train accidents. [1]
Railroad and train accidents can be tragic. They often lead to injuries and fatalities for both passengers and railway workers. Even if no injuries or fatalities occur, spilled cargo can create an environmental hazard that increases health risks for the surrounding community.
Railroad and train accidents in Salem can encompass a variety of incidents, each with its causes and consequences. Here are some common types of railroad and train accidents that can occur in Salem:
- Derailments: Derailments occur when a train leaves the tracks, often due to factors such as track defects, excessive speed, or equipment failures. Derailments can lead to property damage, injuries, and even fatalities, particularly if hazardous materials are involved.
- Auto Collisions: Collisions between trains or between trains and other vehicles can result in catastrophic accidents. Factors contributing to collisions include signal malfunctions, human error, or inadequate safety protocols at railroad crossings.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents involving trains can occur when individuals cannot get out of the way of an approaching train in time. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Grade Crossing Accidents: Grade crossing accidents occur at intersections where railroad tracks intersect with roadways. These accidents can occur due to driver error, malfunctioning railroad crossing signals, or obstructed sightlines, leading to collisions between trains and vehicles.
- Mechanical Failures: Mechanical failures in train components, such as brakes, couplings, or engine systems, can lead to accidents if not detected and addressed promptly. These failures may result from poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or inadequate inspection procedures.
- Human Error: Human error, including mistakes made by train operators, conductors, signal operators, or maintenance personnel, can contribute to railroad and train accidents. Factors such as fatigue, distraction, or inadequate training may increase the likelihood of human error.
- Hazardous Material Spills: Train accidents involving the release of hazardous materials pose significant risks to public safety and the environment. Spills of hazardous substances such as chemicals, petroleum products, or toxic gases can lead to fires, explosions, and environmental contamination.
- Structural Collapses: Structural collapses of bridges, tunnels, or other railroad infrastructure can result in train accidents, endangering passengers and causing significant damage to property. These collapses may occur due to age-related deterioration, inadequate maintenance, or natural disasters.
Three people were killed in August 2023, & another person was injured when a Union Pacific freight train crashed into a car North of Salem, Oregon. [2]
Compensation for Your Railroad and Train Accident Case in Salem
In Salem, victims of railroad and train accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation to address their injuries, losses, and damages resulting from the incident. Here are some possible forms of compensation that individuals involved in railroad and train accidents in Salem may pursue:
- Legal Fees and Costs: Reimbursement for reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs incurred in pursuing the railroad or train accident case, ensuring that victims have access to legal representation without bearing the financial burden upfront.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy suffered by the victim’s spouse as a result of the injuries sustained in the railroad or train accident.
- Lost Wages: Recovery of lost income or earnings resulting from the victim’s inability to work due to injuries sustained in the railroad or train accident, including past and future lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for all past, present, and future medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the railroad or train accident, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapy, and assistive devices.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life experienced as a result of the railroad or train accident and associated injuries, which may include both past and future pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where the railroad or train accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue compensation for wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
Consulting with our railroad accident attorneys can help you understand your rights, assess the full extent of your losses, and pursue fair and just compensation for injuries and damages.
Table of Contents
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Train Accident Lawyer in Salem, Oregon
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Types of Railroad and Train Accidents in Salem
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Compensation for Your Railroad and Train Accident Case in Salem
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What To Do After a Salem Train Crash
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Statute of Limitations for Railroad and Train Accident Cases in Oregon
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Why Do I Need a Salem Train Accident Lawyer?
Our Salem Practice Areas
What To Do After a Salem Train Crash
In the aftermath of a train crash in Salem, Oregon, take immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being, as well as to protect your legal rights.
Here’s what to do after a Salem train crash:
- Ensure Safety: If you’re involved in a train crash, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Move away from the crash site to a safe location, away from any potential hazards such as fire or leaking fuel.
- Seek Medical Attention: Check yourself and others for injuries, and seek medical attention promptly for any injuries sustained in the train crash. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s essential to get evaluated by medical professionals, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Accident: Call 911 to report the train crash to local authorities and emergency responders. Provide them with as much information as possible about the location of the crash, the number of individuals involved, and any injuries or hazards present.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Follow the instructions of law enforcement officers and emergency responders at the scene of the train crash. Provide them with accurate information and cooperate with their investigation into the cause of the accident.
- Document the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, document the scene of the train crash by taking photos or videos of the wreckage, damage to vehicles or property, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who may have observed the accident.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the train crash to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with details of the accident and cooperate with their investigation process.
- Avoid Making Statements: Refrain from making any statements or admissions of fault to anyone at the scene of the train crash, including other parties involved, witnesses, or insurance adjusters. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the cause of the accident.
- Seek Legal Representation: Consult with our personal injury attorneys in Salem, as we represent those involved in train accidents. We can help protect your legal rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Follow Medical Advice: Follow through with any recommended medical treatment or follow-up care for injuries sustained in the train crash. Keep detailed records of your medical expenses, treatment plans, and recovery progress.
- Stay Informed: Stay informed about developments related to the train crash investigation, including any findings or updates from authorities or relevant agencies. Your attorney can help keep you updated on the progress of your case.
By taking these steps after a train crash in Salem, you can protect your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Statute of Limitations for Railroad and Train Accident Cases in Oregon
Individuals have limited time to file a lawsuit for personal injury cases resulting from train accidents. In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. This means that individuals must initiate their accident claim within two years to preserve their right to seek compensation for their injuries. ORS 12.110(1)
If your loved one has died from train accident-related injuries, the time limit for a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of the incident.
Why Do I Need a Salem Train Accident Lawyer?
If you have been involved in a railroad or train accident, hire our train accident lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Here are some key reasons why hiring our experienced railroad accident lawyers is paramount:
- Extensive Experience: Railroad accident cases are complex and require knowledge of federal and state laws. Our railroad injury lawyers have extensive experience in handling such cases and understand the unique legal complexities involved.
- Investigative Skills: Determining liability in railroad and train accidents often involves rigorous investigation. We have the necessary resources and access to experts who can analyze accident scenes, gather evidence, and reconstruct the incident to establish fault.
- Knowledge of the Industry: Our train injury lawyers are well-versed in the workings of the railroad industry, its regulations, safety protocols, and the common causes of accidents. This knowledge gives us an upper hand in building a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiation and Litigation: Goldberg & Loren has excellent negotiation skills and can effectively engage with the insurance companies and responsible parties to secure a fair settlement. However, if a fair resolution cannot be reached outside of court, our experienced litigators represent your interests within the courtroom.
With over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of success, we will fight aggressively to protect your rights, work to provide you with the support you require and the compensation you deserve.
Book a free consultation with our Salem train accident attorneys today!
FAQs About Railroad and Train Accidents
Preserve any relevant documents, take photographs, gather witness information, and contact an injury attorney promptly to guide you on evidence preservation.
Yes, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Consult with a wrongful death attorney to understand the specific laws in your jurisdiction.
Insurance companies may be involved in covering damages, but they often prioritize their interests. Consult with an attorney before providing statements or accepting settlements from insurance companies.
Sources:
[1] 2022 OREGON TRAFFIC CRASH SUMMARY. (2024). In ODOT. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2022.pdf
[2] US news. (n.d.). https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/oregon/articles/2023-08-03/a-crash-involving-a-freight-train-and-a-car-kills-3-people-in-oregon
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered injuries due to a train accidents. Our train accident lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
We Represent Railroad and Train Accident Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Salem, Oregon.
- Keizer, OR
- Hayesville, OR
- Dallas, OR
- Tigard, OR
- Woodburn, OR
- Albany, OR
- Newberg, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Canby, OR
- Wilsonville, OR
- Corvallis, OR
- Lebanon, OR
- Sherwood, OR
- Tualatin, OR
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