The latest tragic collision between a train and a vehicle that killed six people just outside New York City in February 2015 has magnified the dangers of cars at train crossings. This accident follows on the heels of other tragic accidents in Texas, Florida and California, in just the past nine months. Statistics show that more than 230 people have lost their lives in approximately 2,100 collisions with trains nationwide in the past year.
What Are The Important Steps to Take?
Although we don’t plan on getting stuck on train tracks while driving, these recent accidents have demonstrated that it can happen and it is best to know what you should do in such a horrifying event.
Below are four important things you should consider if your vehicle gets stuck on train tracks in front of an oncoming train:
- Get out of your car as quickly as possible.
- Do not waste time gathering your possessions while exiting the car.
- Run away from the train at a 45-degree angle, in the direction of the oncoming train, in order to avoid any potential flying debris from the accident. It is recommended to take an angle, rather than run directly parallel to the tracks, because trains can overhang the tracks by approximately three feet.
- Call 911, especially if the train fails to stop in time and collides with your vehicle.
Contact an Experienced New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved was seriously injured in am accident, you need to hire an experienced New York accident attorney to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an attorney, call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.
