Railroad crossing accidents are rare but can have devastating consequences when they occur. In the chaos that follows such an accident, it’s essential to know how to handle the situation to protect yourself, your rights, and your recovery. If you find yourself involved in a railroad crossing accident, here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do to ensure your safety and well-being.

Prioritize Safety and Move to a Safe Location

Your safety and the safety of those around you should always be the top priority after a railroad crossing accident. If your vehicle is still operational, move it off the tracks and as far away from the scene as possible. Trains can’t stop on a dime, and you don’t want to risk another collision.

If you or others are injured, move only if it is safe to do so. Sometimes, the best option is to remain still until help arrives, especially if you suspect neck or spinal injuries. If you can help others, do so cautiously, but remember that your safety comes first.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Once you’re in a safe place, immediately call 911. Accidents involving trains often result in serious injuries, and medical professionals are needed on the scene to treat anyone affected. Additionally, law enforcement will also need to assess the accident, gather information, and create an official report.

When speaking to the dispatcher, try to remain calm and provide clear details about your location, the number of people involved, and the severity of any injuries. This will help emergency services respond effectively. If there are any hazardous materials, such as a fuel spill, mention that to ensure the right resources are sent to contain it.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s imperative to seek medical attention. The shock and adrenaline of the incident can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or whiplash, which may not become apparent until hours or days later.

It is important that you get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Also, a detailed medical report will document any injuries and help establish a connection between the accident and your physical condition, which is necessary if you need to file a claim later.

Consult an Experienced Attorney

Railroad crossing accidents are complex, involving multiple parties, from the railroad company to local government authorities responsible for crossing signals and barriers. 

In fact, determining liability can be tricky, and the stakes are high if you or a loved one has been severely injured. In this regard, the best way to get through these complexities is important that you consult an experienced personal injury attorney with expertise in railroad accidents. A good train accident lawyer will help you collect evidence, talk to experts, and possibly bring in specialists who can determine whether the crossing signals or safety measures were defective or improperly maintained. 

This legal support ensures that you’re properly compensated for any injuries, lost wages, and damages you’ve endured due to the accident.

Document the Scene

After ensuring safety and calling for help, take the time to document the accident scene. If you’re physically capable and have your phone with you, take photos or videos of the crossing, your vehicle, the train, and any visible damage. 

Ensure that you capture skid marks, warning signs (or lack thereof), malfunctioning crossing signals, and other relevant details. Photographic evidence provides an accurate account of what happened and will be invaluable if you pursue a legal claim.

Exchange Information

Just like in any vehicular accident, exchanging information is a key step. If other drivers or pedestrians were involved in the incident, collect their contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers. Likewise, note down the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident unfold.

Since a railroad crossing accident often involves the train itself, you’ll need the name of the railroad company, the train’s identification number, and the conductor’s details. If a police officer is present, ask for their name and badge number for future reference.

Notify the Railroad Company and Your Insurance Provider

After a railroad crossing accident, it’s important to report the incident to both the railroad company and your insurance provider. The railroad company will likely have its investigation, especially if the accident was due to faulty signals, inadequate barriers, or train operator error.

When reporting the accident to the railroad company, provide the facts as clearly as possible without making admissions of guilt or downplaying your injuries. Similarly, when dealing with your insurance provider, give an accurate account of what happened, but be cautious not to accept any quick settlement offers before you fully understand the extent of your damages.

Final Thoughts

A railroad crossing accident can be a life-altering experience, but knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath can help reduce the chaos and safeguard your future. Your safety and well-being should always come first, but it’s also important to take the necessary legal and medical steps to protect your interests. Taking these proactive measures will help you regain control and secure the best possible outcome for your health and future well-being.