A 16-year-old driver narrowly escaped serious injury after her vehicle was struck by a train in Voorheesville on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of South Main Street and Prospect Street, when the teen attempted to drive around railroad crossing stop arms as a train was approaching.
According to the Albany County Sheriff's Office, the train struck the vehicle and pushed it off the tracks. Fortunately, the young driver was able to exit her car following the collision and was transported to Albany Medical Center with minor injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery. The driver was issued several traffic violations and is scheduled to appear in court on September 4th. You can read more details about this incident in the original news report.
Common Causes of Railroad Crossing Accidents
Railroad crossing accidents can occur for various reasons, and understanding these common causes can help prevent future tragedies:
- Impatience and risk-taking behavior - Drivers attempting to beat oncoming trains or go around lowered crossing gates
- Distracted driving - Using cell phones, adjusting radios, or other distractions that prevent drivers from noticing warning signals
- Poor visibility conditions - Fog, rain, snow, or nighttime driving that makes it difficult to see approaching trains
- Malfunctioning warning systems - Broken crossing gates, non-functioning warning lights, or inadequate signage
- Inadequate maintenance - Poorly maintained crossing surfaces, overgrown vegetation blocking sight lines, or defective warning equipment
- Speeding or reckless driving - Driving too fast to stop safely when warning signals activate
- Vehicle mechanical failures - Cars stalling on tracks due to engine problems or running out of fuel
- Inadequate crossing design - Poorly designed intersections that don't provide sufficient warning time or visibility
When negligence on the part of railroad companies, government entities responsible for crossing maintenance, or other parties contributes to these accidents, victims may be entitled to legal compensation for their injuries and losses.
Personal Injury Claims in Albany County Railroad Crossing Accidents
Railroad crossing accidents can result in devastating injuries and even wrongful death, leading to complex legal cases that may involve multiple liable parties. In the Albany County area, victims of these accidents may have grounds for personal injury or wrongful death claims depending on the circumstances of the collision.
Potential liable parties in railroad crossing accidents can include railroad companies that fail to maintain proper warning systems, government entities responsible for crossing maintenance and design, construction companies that improperly install or maintain crossing equipment, and in some cases, other negligent drivers who contribute to the accident. Successful compensation in these cases may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. However, each case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and evidence presented.
Damages and Compensation in Railroad Crossing Cases
Victims of railroad crossing accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation to help them rebuild their lives after such traumatic events. Understanding the different categories of damages can help accident victims and their families know what to expect during the legal process.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, lost wages from time off work, and future earning capacity if the victim cannot return to their previous employment. These damages also include property damage to vehicles and personal belongings.
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that significantly impact a victim's quality of life, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life's activities, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In wrongful death cases, families may recover damages for loss of companionship and guidance.
Future losses are particularly important in severe injury cases, covering ongoing medical treatment, long-term care needs, modified living arrangements, and the lifetime impact of permanent disabilities.
Compensation calculations require extensive documentation including medical records, employment history, expert testimony, and evidence of the accident's circumstances. The purpose of compensation is not only to restore what was lost but also to hold negligent parties accountable and deter similar incidents in the future. If you need guidance through this complex process, don't hesitate to contact our experienced team or reach out via email at info@porterlawteam.com.
Were you or a loved one injured in a railroad crossing accident?
CONTACT USOur Recent Case Results
Settlement
Jury Verdict
Settlement
Settlement
Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The attorneys at Porter Law Group bring decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by serious accidents. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New York State, establishing ourselves as a trusted statewide firm that handles complex cases with a personal, hometown approach.
Our clients turn to us during their most challenging times, seeking guidance, answers, and justice. With seasoned trial lawyers and extensive resources, Porter Law Group has the expertise necessary to handle the most complex cases against large insurance companies that will fight aggressively to minimize your compensation. We understand the tactics these companies use, and we're prepared to counter them at every turn.
We believe you only get one opportunity to hire the right legal team for you and your family. That's why we encourage you to choose the law firm most highly recommended by former clients and fellow attorneys – the firm with a proven track record of superior results. When you or a loved one faces the aftermath of a serious personal injury, we offer free consultations with no upfront fees, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Porter Law Group for Your Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a railroad crossing accident or any other serious incident in New York, don't wait to seek legal guidance. The experienced legal team at Porter Law Group is ready to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your case at no cost to you.
We serve clients across all of New York State and understand the urgency of acting quickly after an accident to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you understand the next steps in your journey toward justice and recovery.
Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or send us an email at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
