Train Fatally Strikes Vehicle in Rocky Mount, NC | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

What Happened

An Amtrak train collided with a vehicle in Rocky Mount, North Carolina (NC) on February 21, 2013.

The accident took place at the railroad crossing at Battleboro Avenue and Railroad Street. Authorities said the train was headed southbound when it hit the vehicle that was stopped on the tracks in between the downed crossing arms.

Three people were in the vehicle at the time of the collision. An 18-year-old boy somehow managed to escape with no injuries; a second 25-year-old victim was seriously injured and taken to Nash General Hospital then airlifted to Vidant Hospital in Greenville. The third victim was a 22-year-old man that was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police have launched a full investigation to try and figure out how the vehicle got stuck on the tracks.

The North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers’ Perspective

Whenever a vehicle is struck at a railroad crossing it usually becomes a very violent scene. The fact two people survived the accident is astonishing, and an absolute miracle that one person suffered no injuries at all. According to the US DOT there is about 5,800 vehicle train crashes each year in the United States, most of which occur at railroad crossings. These accidents caused 600 deaths and injured about 2,300. A North Carolina (NC) train accident attorney understands that there are many factors that can cause train accidents. These factors could include human error, operator fatigue, conductor distraction, items left on tracks, weather-related crashes, and mechanical failure. According to the Federal Railroad Administration more than 50% of all railroad accidents occur at unprotected crossings and over 80% of railroad crossings don’t have adequate warning devices. If you or someone you love has been injured in any kind of train accident, you have limited amount of time to file a claim against the responsible parties, this time period is known as the statute of limitations. To avoid losing the opportunity for compensation we urge you to contact a North Carolina (NC) train accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our legal experts of have devoted their skill and expertise to overcoming safety hazards and defending train accident victims. Through this dedication we have established an excellent track record of achieving adequate compensation for our clients.

Potentially Helpful Info

If you have been injured in a freight train or passenger rail accident, download this free report written by personal injury attorneys based in North Carolina (NC) who specialize in railroad cases to begin learning about your legal rights and options to file claims for compensation.

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