Trains are commonly used by people all over the country to get from one place to the next or even for sightseeing, as in Alaska. The US has over six hundred railroads according to the Federal Railroad Administration and on average five thousand train accidents each year. Common causes of train accidents are derailments, the interference of bystanders of vehicles at a train crossing, train collisions etc.  In this article, we will discuss the common causes of train accidents. 

Below are a few examples of common causes of train accidents:

Negligence - it may be determined that there is negligence on the part of the railway itself, the railway employees, a government agency or equipment manufacturers. An example of railway negligence includes the faulty operation of a railway crossing, or the failure of a signal light to provide adequate warning. In some instances, there are issues of outdated railway safety technology despite the availability of newer and safer technology, but the railway has not implemented such new technology.

Conductor error, fatigue or inexperience - in most accidents there is almost always an element of human error and as such, it is a potential factor in any accident. At times, poor judgement, impaired reactions and delayed action have contributed to many avoidable train disasters.

Mechanical failure - while the railway does its very best to maintain the infrastructure of the tracks and trails and operating systems, mechanical failure can result in a train derailment or collision despite the rareness of such a factor being possible.

High speeds - the faster the train is moving, the worse and higher the chances of a crash. The higher the speed, the higher the chance of derailment and derailment increases the severity of injuries to passengers. Where the train is traveling at high speeds it may be difficult to negotiate sharp curves and this will result in derailment. This is often attributed to human error though mechanical error may play a part too.

Irresponsible or negligent pedestrian or motor vehicle operators - in some rare cases a pedestrian or motor vehicle may be on or near the train tracks at the wrong time, causing the conductor to react suddenly. In instances where the conductor is unable to stop the train and the train hits the vehicle or pedestrian, it can result in derailment. Therefore, when a vehicle is hit by a train, it can result not only in fatalities for the occupants of the vehicle, but also in fatalities for the occupants of the train.

Obstruction on the tracks - in some cases foreign objects, such as vehicles or equipment, may be left in the path of the train. Such objects do not necessarily have to be on the train tracks but they may be near the tracks to cause accidents. Such objects lying around can results in an accident or derailment.
 
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, it is advisable that you seek compensation for personal injury through a train accident attorney.