Injuries in Tri-Rail Crash
Recently, 22 people were injured when the Tri-Rail train they were riding in collided with a disabled garbage truck. The train was traveling northbound when it collided with the garbage truck near 6th Avenue South in Lake Worth. The accident took place just before 7 AM as the morning commute began.
The force of the impact was so great, the garbage truck was split in half and the train was derailed, scattering debris along the site. Passengers were thrown from their seats, sending them flying to the floor and into windows. The accident caused serious delays for other commuters on Tri-Rail lines and Amtrak.
According to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue,the Tri-Rail train was carrying between 80 and 90 passengers at the time of the impact. The injured passengers were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. The driver of the garbage truck was not hurt.
Florida Tri-Rail system
The Tri-Rail train network links the cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The system has 18 stops and stretches over 70 miles. Tri-Rail is operated by South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) and owned by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Tri-Rail has an average daily ridership of over 14,000 people and moves over 4 million passengers annually. The network links with Amtrak, Metrorail, and services passengers at Miami Airport.
West Palm Beach train accident lawyers
The Pendas Law Firm is pleased that no passengers were seriously hurt in this accident. With a top speed of almost 80 miles per hour, the situation could have been much worse. As a law firm protecting the rights of injury victims and their families, our law firm knows all too well the consequences accidents like these have on the lives of innocent bystanders.
The size and speed of trains like Tri-Rail mean the potential for catastrophic injury is always a possibility. Unfortunately, not all train accidents are as benign as the one commuters recently faced. Train accidents may happen for a multitude of reasons. Disabled vehicles on the tracks, conductor error, malfunction, and improper maintenance are just some of the conditions that may lead to tragic train accidents.
In instances where train accidents are caused due to someone else’s negligence, injured parties may be able to hold wrongdoers accountable for their careless actions. Hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and pain and suffering are just some of the damages injury victims may recover for.
West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers
Investigations into train accidents are complicated matters, often involving investigators from various state, local, and federal jurisdictions. Retaining qualified and experienced personal injury lawyers like those of The Pendas Law Firm can help families get the answers and justice they need for their injuries.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a train accident, contact our office for a consultation about your case. Let our lawyers handle your case while you focus on healing and getting back to the things that are most important to you.