Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is presently in Melbourne to further investigate a major train incident that occurred on Friday.
They stated that they will be collecting evidence and documenting the area for several days.
According to the Melbourne Police Department, a Brightline train was involved in a tragic incident with a vehicle at the intersection of W.H. Jackson Street and U.S. 1 for the second time this week.
The train crashed with a Chevy Avalanche, prompting police to respond. The collision claimed the lives of two people, a 52-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man, according to Melbourne police.
On Wednesday, a Brightline train collided with an SUV, killing a 62-year-old man, and injuring three others. The police are still investigating how the SUV ended up on the rails as a northbound train approached.
There are gates and signs warning when a train is nearing, but residents want Brightline to do more to raise public awareness.
After they are done collecting data, the NTSB stated they should have a preliminary report in 30 days. The full report of results will be accessible in a year or two.
Records updated on October 5 by the Federal Railroad Administration show that through July 30, 2023, Brightline trains in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties killed at least 97 individuals.
The railroad has not been found to be at blame for any of Brightline’s past fatalities, according to reports. The majority have been suicides, attempts by bystanders to cross the tracks in front of the train, or negligent actions of motorists ignoring train signage warnings.
How Fast is a Brightline Train?
According to the company, Brightline trains are the fastest in Florida history, with a top speed of 130 mph. Trains will go up to 110 mph between Cocoa and West Palm Beach and 125 mph between Orlando and Cocoa, according to Brightline. The business has also stated that trains will go at 70-80 mph through downtowns.
How Do I Stay Safe When Near a Brightline Train?
The most crucial thing to remember when approaching a train is to pay attention. Brightline trains are much quieter than freight trains and regular passenger trains, and they travel much faster, therefore be especially cautious near the tracks.
Brightline provides a few safety guidelines for its high-speed trains, the majority of which advise being vigilant near the tracks. The Federal Railroad Administration distribute safety booklets that include the following recommendations:
- Approach railroad crossings cautiously and at a slower speed.
- Pay close attention to any train sounds.
- See around obstructions by bending forward and looking both ways.
- Be alert of your surroundings and prepare to come to a stop.
- Enter a crossing only if you can drive across it without stopping.
- Even if the lights flash and the gates close, continue driving through the crossing.
- Because trains are wider than the tracks, you should leave at least 6 feet between your vehicle and the rails.
- Have a cell phone handy in case of an emergency.
What If My Car Stalls While On the Tracks?
- Exit your vehicle and get any passengers with you out immediately – there is no time to waste when it comes to this scenario.
- Step away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle and toward the approaching train. If a train collides with your car, the debris will travel in the same direction as the train.
- Call 911 to get emergency crews to the scene.
Train accidents are usually quite serious personal injury or wrongful death matters. Our Florida Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can make sure your case is handled appropriately and that all responsible parties are held accountable for any acts of negligence. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to request a free consultation to learn more about how we may be able to help with your Florida train accident injury claim.