Speeding a Possible Cause of Major LIRR Train Accident

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has been in the news over the last several weeks after a train slammed into the end of the line at Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, injuring more than 100 people. Now, authorities say the train in question was traveling well above the speed limit before the accident occurred.

Federal investigators continued to review the accident in the weeks afterward, interviewing crew members and passengers. According to officials, the engineer is cooperating with the investigation, but his memory is hazy because he was nearing the end of an overnight shift.

The passengers on the train were particularly vulnerable because many had already stood up and were ready to de-board. The front of the train hit a bumping block, then went off the tracks and smashed into a small work structure. One of the rails pierced the floor of the car. About 100 people had received treatment for injuries, although the most serious was a broken leg.

Exact cause still unclear

Authorities did not initially rule out operator error or mechanical failure as the root causes of the accident. Those injured in the crash could seek compensation from the LIRR or its insurance company to cover the costs of medical treatment, pain and suffering and other damages. There is no news yet if any of these injury victims have decided to move ahead with claims.

Public transportation accidents can be dangerous, as seatbelts and other safety mechanisms are not often available. To learn more about your options after a serious accident, consult a skilled personal injury attorney with Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP.