The FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) investigates railroad accidents, along with train collisions, crashes, and other incidents involving injury or death.
FRA Injury Investigation Process
According to the FRA, they conduct investigations "of select railroad accidents in order to determine root causation, and any contributing factors, so that parties can implement corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future." The majority of railroad injury cases reported to the FRA each month are 1) Highway-rail grade crossing injuries and 2) Rail equipment injuries.
These investigations involve inspecting all relevant rail equipment, interviewing crew and employees involved in the incident, and reviewing inspection and maintenance records.
Some circumstances may require the FRA to schedule a public hearing before an authorized hearing officer. During these hearings, witnesses and investigators will testify under oath regarding the incident.
These investigations involve inspecting all relevant rail equipment, interviewing crew and employees involved in the incident, and reviewing inspection and maintenance records.
Some circumstances may require the FRA to schedule a public hearing before an authorized hearing officer. During these hearings, witnesses and investigators will testify under oath regarding the incident.
FRA Injury Investigation Criteria
Even though railroads are required to report a wide range of accidents, injuries, and other incidents, not all reports lead to an FRA investigation. FRA investigations usually take place when:
There are several other circumstances that also warrant an FRA investigation.
- there is a railroad employee fatality, no matter the incident
- there is a passenger train collision, derailment, or other incident that results in at least one fatality or serious injury to either passengers or crew members.
- there is a highway-rail grade crossing collision that leads to fatalities
- there is credible evidence of warning device malfunction or failure that caused injury
- there is an incident involving Amtrak passenger trains
There are several other circumstances that also warrant an FRA investigation.
Have You Been Injured In a Railroad Accident?
If you have been injured in a railroad accident, railroad claims agents will want you to provide a recorded statement of the injury. It is important for you to speak with an attorney first. Giving a statement, recorded or written, could diminish the value of your claim.
Attorneys at Wilkes & Mee specialize in railroad injury claims under FELA. We fight to make sure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled by law.
Attorneys at Wilkes & Mee specialize in railroad injury claims under FELA. We fight to make sure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled by law.