Trains have transported goods throughout the United States for more than a century. While less common, passenger trains have long offered sophisticated travel options for pleasure, work, or family obligations. You can take trains on long trips or short distances to work.
However, train travel isn't without its drawbacks and risks. If you or someone you love recently suffered an injury in a train accident, seek the legal help of a Sebastian train accident attorney at Lulich & Attorneys.
Rest assured, when you choose Lulich & Attorneys, you choose a team that will actively engage with your case, working relentlessly to hold all responsible parties accountable for your pain and suffering. We pledge to fight vigorously to maximize your chances of securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Sebastian Train Accident Guide
- Sebastian Train Accident Guide
- Why Choose Lulich & Attorneys
- Lulich & Attorneys
- How Much Is My Train Accident Case Worth?
- Where Do Train Accidents Occur in Sebastian?
- Train Accident Claims
- Fighting the Insurance Company
- What to Do After a Train Accident
- Lulich & Attorneys: Your Trusted Sebastian Train Accident Attorneys
- Sebastian Office
Why Choose Lulich & Attorneys
Lulich & Attorneys stands as a beacon of hope and support for train accident victims seeking legal representation. Our mission is clear: to tirelessly advocate for fair and just compensation for those injured due to someone else's negligence. We firmly believe that injury victims should not bear the burden of medical expenses or financial losses resulting from an accident they did not cause. Instead, we are committed to holding the liable parties accountable for their actions.
We understand the financial strain that often accompanies such traumatic events. That's why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not request any upfront payment from our clients.
Instead, we invest our own resources to conduct thorough investigations and handle all necessary case-related tasks. Our fees depend on successfully recovering compensation for our clients, ensuring they only pay us if and when we secure a favorable outcome—either through a negotiated settlement or a court award.
With over 35 years of dedicated service to injured clients in Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Indian River County, Lulich & Attorneys has earned a reputation as a trusted source for effective and compassionate legal representation. We received over 180 five-star reviews from our satisfied clients.
You can find our conveniently located Sebastian office on the Northeast corner of Main Street and Palmetto Avenue, just east of Sebastian Public Works at:
How Much Is My Train Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of a Sebastian train accident case involves many factors, so consult our qualified attorneys for an accurate assessment.
Here are some elements that can influence the value of a train accident case:
- Extent of injuries: The severity and permanence of injuries sustained in the train accident significantly affect the case's value. The extent of someone's injuries will also affect their medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any future medical needs.
- Lost income and future earnings: If the victim cannot work due to their injuries, they may recover their lost income. Additionally, if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you can recover loss of future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical and emotional pain and any loss of enjoyment of life experienced because of the accident.
- Property damage: If the accident damaged the victim's personal property, such as a vehicle, they may recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs: Ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or other treatments for recovery can contribute to the overall value of the case.
- Liability and negligence: Determining who is at fault for the accident plays a significant role in calculating the case's worth. Establishing negligence or liability of the train operator, railroad company, or other parties may increase the potential compensation.
- Insurance coverage and policy limits: The availability of insurance coverage, both for the victim and the liable party, can affect the maximum compensation you might obtain.
The quality of legal representation you hire can affect the outcome of your case. An experienced Sebastian train attorney can advocate for your rights and secure the maximum compensation possible.
These factors may vary in each train accident case. A knowledgeable attorney who handles train accident claims can accurately assess the value of your case.
Where Do Train Accidents Occur in Sebastian?
Brightline is a high-speed passenger rail company involved in nearly 200 fatalities and injuries over the past five years. Last year, Brightline trains were part of several fatalities in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties in Florida. The Associated Press declared Brightline the nation’s deadliest railroad company.
In addition to Brightline train routes, other train accidents in and near Sebastian have happened near Main Street and Louisiana Avenue.
Train Accident Claims
Types of Train Accidents
Common types of train accidents include:
- Derailments: A derailment happens when a train's wheels leave the tracks. This can happen due to various factors, including track defects, excessive speed, or mechanical failure.
- Collisions: Train collisions occur when two trains collide with each other. This can happen at a junction, on a single track, or in a station. The severity of the collision can range from minor incidents to catastrophic accidents.
- Crossing accidents: These accidents happen at railroad crossings, where a train collides with a vehicle or pedestrian. Inadequate warning systems, driver error, or obstructions at the crossing can contribute to these accidents.
- Train and pedestrian incidents: Trains might strike pedestrians on or near railroad tracks. They can result from attempting to cross tracks or unintentional proximity due to insufficient warnings.
- Train and vehicle collisions: These accidents happen when an oncoming train strikes a car stopped on the tracks and. Driver error, mechanical failure, or issues with warning systems at crossings can all contribute to such an accident.
- Falls from trains: Passengers or railroad workers can fall from moving or stationary trains, leading to injuries or fatalities. This may happen because of a lack of safety precautions, sudden stops, or boarding or disembarking errors.
- Hazardous material incidents: Trains carrying hazardous materials can be involved in accidents, leading to spills, leaks, fires, or explosions. Such incidents pose a significant risk to both the environment and public safety.
- Mechanical failures: Train accidents can occur due to mechanical failures, such as brake failures, engine malfunctions, or problems with the train's infrastructure.
- Electrocutions: Electrocution accidents may happen when a train comes into contact with live electrical wires, leading to injuries or fatalities for passengers or railroad workers.
- Structural failures: Infrastructure failures, such as bridge collapses or track defects, can lead to train accidents. In these instances, you can hold the train company, a local municipality in charge of bridges or roads, or even both parties responsible for an accident.
Each train accident may have distinct causes and consequences. Investigating these incidents thoroughly will reveal the contributing factors. Legal professionals can seek compensation for train accident victims and their families for injuries and damages resulting from these accidents.
Types of Train Accident Injuries
Some common injuries resulting from train accidents include:
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Extremity injuries, including amputations
- Emotional trauma
Results for Past Clients
Our Sebastian personal injury attorneys know how to go after results that matter, including these six-figure settlements:
- $250,000.00 settlement for a motorcycle victim who was injured through no fault to his own. The accident resulted in serious injuries which led the victim to experiencing debilitating shoulder and back pain and resulted in a surgical operation.
- $275,000.00 settlement for a child who was injured in a motor vehicle accident. The accident resulted in serious back pain, PTSD, and lifelong injuries as a result of the negligent driver.
- $150,000.00 settlement for an individual who slipped and fell after her roofing company failed to properly secure and repair her roof. She sustained permanent injuries to her neck, shoulder, and lower back.
- $250,000.00 settlement for a client who was negligently rear ended by a semi-truck which resulted in permanent back pain, shoulder pain, and ultimately resulted in a shoulder operation.
Fighting the Insurance Company
If you've suffered injuries in a train accident you can seek compensation for the resulting costs. Unfortunately, many injury victims don’t know all of their rights, and insurance companies are skilled at taking advantage of them. They deny or undervalue injury accident claims, including those arising from train accidents.
Here are some common ways the at-fault party's insurance company may eliminate their responsibility to pay your full compensation:
- Immediate contact: Insurance companies often contact you shortly after the accident, sometimes even on the same or the next day. This early contact aims to exploit your vulnerability and lack of clarity immediately following a traumatic event. They will use anything you say against you later. Consult a knowledgeable Sebastian train accident lawyer before engaging with the other party's insurance company.
- Delayed claim processing: While they may quickly contact you, insurance companies may deliberately delay processing your claim. This tactic aims to wear you down, making you more likely to accept a lower settlement or give up entirely. Remain patient and never settle for less-than-fair compensation.
- Lowball settlement offers: Injury accidents are often financially burdensome, and insurance companies know this. They may offer a quick settlement, usually a relatively small amount, such as $1,000 or less. Unfortunately, these lowball offers won't likely cover your damages adequately. Wait until you can negotiate a fair settlement with the help of a train accident lawyer. Never settle without speaking to an attorney to determine what you deserve for your train accident claim.
- Discouraging legal representation: Insurance companies may try to dissuade you from hiring your own lawyer, even though an attorney can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining fair compensation. A train accident lawyer can level the playing field and advocate for you.
Always recognize these tactics by insurance companies and consult a Sebastian train accident lawyer who will prioritize your rights and interests from the outset. Your lawyer will navigate the complexities of your claim and recover the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What to Do After a Train Accident
After being involved in a train accident, your immediate priority should be your health. Seek medical attention. If you already saw a doctor, you're on the right track.
However, you can strengthen your case further and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages:
Follow Your Doctor's Treatment Plan
If your doctor prescribed a treatment plan, stick to it—not only for your health but also for your legal case. Doing so demonstrates your commitment to recovering from your injuries and can significantly impact your case's success.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain thorough records of all medical expenses, including bills, prescription costs, and expenses related to your injuries. These form critical evidence of the financial burden you incurred from the accident and will ensure full and fair compensation.
Document Your Pain and Progress
Keep a journal that chronicles your pain levels, daily challenges, and the impact of your injuries on your life. The more detailed your journal, the better. This journal provides valuable insight into your suffering. It can establish your non-economic damages.
Order a Copy of the Police or Incident Report
If a police or incident report resulted from the accident, get an official copy. This report can contain crucial details about the incident, including statements from witnesses and the responding officers. It contains crucial evidence in your case.
Bring all the information you have gathered to an experienced Sebastian train accident attorney at Lulich & Attorneys. We will use this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Lulich & Attorneys: Your Trusted Sebastian Train Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a Sebastian train accident due to another party's negligence or wrongdoing, don't hesitate to contact Lulich & Attorneys for a complimentary consultation.
We are here to offer the compassionate guidance and support you need during this trying time. Our Sebastian personal injury lawyers are dedicated to serving victims of train accidents in Sebastian and the surrounding areas.
To schedule your no-obligation case review, contact Lulich & Attorneys today at (772) 492-4611 or online.