What You Can Do After You Have Been Injured In A Train Accident
Train accidents are one of the most terrifying experiences a passenger can go through. Injuries can be severe and life-changing. If you or a loved one have been involved in a train accident as a passenger onboard either a commuter or long-distance train such as Amtrak, it might seem difficult to get compensation. While it isn't easy to obtain compensation from the train company, it isn't impossible.
Contact a personal injury lawyer to talk about what options you have in obtaining compensation from the railroad, including any class action lawsuits. Here are some tips on what to do after you have been injured in a train accident to help your case.
Get Medical Attention
You should get medical attention immediately after a train accident. Let the emergency responders treat your immediate wounds and then go to the hospital to be looked over. Even if your injuries don't seem serious right away, there could be underlying problems you don't know about. Plus, when you receive medical attention, it's documented and you can use these records in your lawsuit against the train company.
It's a good idea to follow up with your doctor after to ensure you are healing well too. Get your medical records from both your hospital stay and your family doctor. The more information your personal injury lawyer has on your medical condition, the better.
Document And Take Pictures And Videos
If you haven't been too seriously injured, immediately begin taking pictures and videos of the train accident. Take pictures of anything you can think of from the wreckage, the tracks, the cars that are still on the tracks, injuries to passengers if they allow you to, and more. You never know what information will be handy or important in a class action or personal injury lawsuit. You could document some of the reason for the accident and be able to show your personal injury lawyer.
Also, document, record your voice, or write down anything you remember about the events prior to the accident. What would you estimate the train speed at? Did the train wobble before? Did you feel it hit anything? This can be vital to proving the railroad at fault for the accident, and so you can get compensation.
If possible, talk with other passengers and witnesses not on the train to get their view on what happened. Either record it or write it down. Exchange names and contact information and ask them if they would be willing to testify to what they experienced or saw of the accident in a lawsuit. This will greatly help your case, as well as help your personal injury attorney.