Philadelphia Train Accident Lawyers

The Amtrak train derailment that happened in May of 2015 in Philadelphia is an example of the devastation that can be caused when a train loses control. Every year, there are approximately 3,000 train accidents, resulting in close to 1,000 fatalities. And while not all of them are as serious as the Amtrak accident, even a minor train accident can cause considerable damage and massive injuries to those involved, including passengers, drivers, pedestrians, or railroad workers.

All trains, regardless of whether it is a passenger train, a freight train, or any other type of locomotive, are legally required to carry liability insurance in the event of an accident or mechanical malfunction. In some cases, a train accident may only affect one person, like when an individual slips off the platform and is hit by the oncoming train. Other times, hundreds of people are injured, or killed, such as when a train derails, or there is a toxic chemical spill from a train car, which can impact an entire community.

Types of Train Accidents

There are two main types of train accidents: operational and external. Operational train accidents occur as a result of negligence, whether it is the conductor, the person responsible for maintaining bridges or gates, or the person in charge of ensuring that the mechanics of the train are well maintained. External train accidents are caused by unpredictable circumstances beyond the control of the train operator. An example of this type of accident would be if a person were hit by a train after ignoring the train crossing warning.

Railroad Crossing Accidents

Sometimes a vehicle can get stuck on the train tracks and get hit by the oncoming train if the vehicle is unable to move in time. Sadly, some people will purposely park their car on the tracks and wait to be hit as a form of suicide. The following are some common causes of railroad crossing accidents:

  • Signal or gates that are not in proper working order
  • A train operator fails to use the horn or the lights when approaching a railroad crossing
  • Trains that are parked too close to a crossing
  • The railroad crossing is hidden by overgrown plants or other objects
  • Objects are sticking out of the train


Derailments are responsible for the greatest amount of damage and injuries. Faulty tracks or equipment, obstacles on the track, or too much cargo weight can sometimes cause train derailments. However, in most cases they are the result of a failure to follow safety protocols like maintaining proper speed, particularly when approaching a curve.

No Collision

Not all train accidents involve another train or vehicle. Unfortunately, train accidents can also occur when a pedestrian or bystander either slips or falls under an approaching train, killing them on impact.

Train accident lawsuits can be extremely complex because there are often multiple parties involved, and the laws that apply to train accidents are different from those that apply to other types of vehicle accident lawsuits. A knowledgeable Philadelphia train accident lawyer will provide you with the experienced legal counsel you need to reach a successful settlement.

Philadelphia Train Accident Lawyers at The Law Offices of Patrick G. Geckle LLC Protect the Rights of Train Accident Victims

If you have been seriously injured in a train accident due to the negligence of a train operator, you may be entitled to compensation. Philadelphia train accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Patrick G. Geckle LLC are well versed in all aspects of the law as it applies to train accidents. We will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries and ensure that justice is served. For a free consultation, call us today at 215-735-3326 or contact us online. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Delaware County.