Posted in Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 21, 2017
A woman suffered injuries after her SUV was hit by a train on tracks in the Berry Hill area of Nashville late Wednesday night.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the accident happened just before midnight on the tracks at Craighead Street near Oceanside Drive and Interstate 65.
An investigation by Metro Nashville Police revealed that the warning lights and signals at the railroad crossing were working prior to the accident. It’s unknown what caused the woman’s SUV to end up on the tracks and in the path of the train.
The victim was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for her injuries. Emergency responders closed Craighead Street as they worked to clear the scene and investigate the accident.
No further information about the crash has been released by the MNPD.
Railroad Crossing Safety Tips and Facts from the Rail Safety Education
Many of America’s cities were built because goods were shipped across the country on railroad tracks. Even in 2017, many items are shipped via rail, and that means train tracks are still prominent throughout cities like Nashville. It’s important to understand the unique dangers of train tracks and the risks that they can pose to pedestrians and drivers.
The next time you drive near or across a railroad crossing, be sure to follow these safety tips:
Although you may not always encounter a train when you’re walking or driving across a railroad crossing, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of expecting one. Trains can come at any time of the day or night, and being prepared to encounter one rather than solely relying on lights, train whistles, and other warning systems will help you reduce your risks.
In addition to being extremely dangerous places to walk, train tracks are also off-limits to pedestrians as they’re considered private property. It takes trains traveling at a speed of 55 mph around one mile, or the length of 18 football fields, to come to a complete stop. That means by the time a train engineer sees a person walking on or near the tracks, it’s too late for the train to avoid striking him or her.
Because trains can weigh anywhere from 200 tons to 6,000 tons, and because their stopping distances are so long, they always have the right of way in every situation—including when emergency vehicles like police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks need to pass at railroad crossings. That means you must always come to a complete stop and wait for a train to pass, no matter the circumstances.
A good rule of thumb to remember when it comes to train safety is that they’re always moving faster, making less noise, and are closer to your location than you might initially believe. That’s why you should never attempt to “beat” a train across railroad tracks.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville auto accident lawyers knows that trains are vital for the city’s economy, but we also know that they’re dangerous for drivers and pedestrians if they’re in their paths. Although train accidents are rare, they occur frequently enough to mean that everyone should be aware of how to approach railroad crossings safely and the specific dangers that they face in those areas of the road.
Just like some train accidents, many auto accidents are caused by negligence on behalf of one of the drivers that was involved in a crash. If you or someone you know was hurt in a car accident that was caused by a careless driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.
Our legal team has more than two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims like you, and we know what it takes to win. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can put our experience to work for your family. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
