Severe Sleep Apnea Causes Fatal NYC Train Accident

With gas prices on the rise, more and more New Yorkers are relying on public transportation to get around. But how safe are NYC’s trains and subways? Are you at risk of being injured? On Monday, April 7, 2014, an Amtrak train derailed while attempting a sharp turn at a high speed — the train was moving at 80 miles per hour, and the recommended speed for the turn was only 30 miles per hour. 

An investigation into the accident revealed that William Rockefeller, the train’s engineer, suffered from severe sleep apnea. The condition caused the train operator to become dazed and lose control over the engine. 

Other common causes of train accidents include the following: 

• Drunk driving — Train operators must be alert and in control at all times. If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he or she may experience a slowed reaction time or be unable to control the train properly and safely.
• Distracted driving — Distractions such as cellphones, tablets, MP3 players, magazines and food can divert a train operator’s attention away from the tracks and engine, and thus, result in a devastating accident.
• Malfunction — Train systems must be routinely maintained and inspected. If any component of an engine, car or track malfunctions it can endanger the lives of all those aboard the train. 

When a train accident injury threatens to change your life forever, where do you turn? After receiving medical attention, it is in your best interests to seek legal guidance — especially if you believe the railroad accident resulted from negligence. The experienced team of lawyers at [ln::firm_name] are here to review your case, determine who is responsible and aggressively pursue rightful damages of your behalf.