Train Derailment Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff and all Arizona cities and communities

There are a number of reasons why a train may derail while traveling to its destination, including running across damaged rails or crashing into obstacles present on the tracks. Derailment occurs when a train’s wheels lose contact with the rails, typically causing the cars to leave the tracks in a dangerous and high-impact manner. In 2007, 1,876 American trains were involved in derailments, causing approximately 1,000 deaths and many more injuries.

If you have suffered an injury from a train derailment accident, then you may have the right to claim damages from the responsible party. The Tucson, Phoenix, and Flagstaff train derailment lawyers of Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.C. can help you learn more about and pursue your legal rights in this situation. Call our offices today to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified attorneys.

Rail Breaks

A shocking 46.3% of all train derailments are caused by track defects or damaged rails. Rail breaks can occur for a number of reasons, including the following:

- Fracture at joints, likely due to failure to inspect and maintain
- Manufacturing problems/defects
- Wheelburn
- Wheelflat
- Changes in temperature or climate

Rail damage caused by any of the above factors may be caught and fixed with regular maintenance procedures. If you have been injured in a train derailment caused by a rail break, then you may have a right to pursue damages. The Tucson, Phoenix, and Flagstaff train derailment lawyers of Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.C. can help you legally assess your situation.

Other Causes of Train Derailments

While track defects are the most common cause of train derailments, there are a number of other reasons why a train may leave the rails. These include the following:

- Misaligned tracks
- Travel at high speeds
- Travel at too low a speed around tight curves
- Wheel failures
- Obstructions on the tracks
- Earthquakes or other natural disasters
- Operator error
- Improper application of the brakes
- Snow on the tracks