Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley

The recent California train accident in which several died and dozens were injured puts into question the safety surrounding trains as a leading transportation. According to statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Safety Analysis a 13.3 percent jump can be determined during a three-year period.

There is an increase of this figure after the California Metrolink train accident in September 2008, which killed at least 25 and injured 135 individuals.

One of the common injuries that can likely occur during a train accident is that of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Approximately 5 million Americans are currently diagnosed with TBI, but the number of train wreck-induced TBI injuries is currently unaccounted for.

There have been more than 10,000 train accidents reported within the last three years, according to statistics derived from the FRA. The most train accidents have been found to occur in Texas, followed closely by Illinois, California, Nebraska, Ohio and Kansas.

Individuals who have been involved in a train wreck know that the severity of injuries suffered can range from fractured bones to brain damage, which can severely impact an individual?life. There is a wide range of TBI side effects that can occur and the severity of this injury should not be taken lightly. If an individual is involved in a train wreck and may suffer from TBI, they should consult a medical professional as well as legal counsel immediately to protect themselves.

Reasons for Train Wrecks

According to the FRA there can be several hundred reasons as to why a train accidents occurs, but many of these reasons are associated with defective parts with the train or tracks. Several of the most common train wreck collisions occur for the following reasons:

* wide gage (defective/missing crossties)

* switch improperly lined

* transverse/compound fissure

* shoving movement, failure to control

* switch point worn or broken

* harmonic rock off

* cars left foul

* failure to comply with restricted speed

Unfortunately, many of these reasons for train wrecks can be attributed to human oversight or error. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics reports that most rail transportation positions are entry-level jobs requiring little more than a high school diploma and little to no previous experience or employment.

Locomotive engineers are the only rail transportation professionals federally regulated by the FRA, but, as seen in the California Metrolink incident, even a locomotive engineer can cause a monumental train collision.

Brain Injury Side Effects and Treatments

While there are no known statistics on the number of brain injury victims involved in train accidents, it is important that a TBI victim be treated regardless of if they suffer from a bump on a fractured skull. Brain damaged victims often do not know that they are suffering from TBI until the side effects worsen, in which case treatment may be more difficult to administer.

All potential victims of TBI and their friends and family should watch for the following signs and symptoms of TBI. Signs of TBI can include the following, according to the Neurology Channel, which is a board-certified neurological information center developed by physicians and specialized neurologists:

* anxiety, nervousness

* impulsiveness

* inappropriate laughter

* irritability

* disinhibition

* vision impairments such as blurry/double vision

* inability to concentrate

* headache

* dizziness

* lightheadedness

* seizures

* sleep difficulties

* slurred/slowed speech

* vertigo sensations

* weakness in limbs, facial muscles

* muscle stiffness or spasms

* loss of balance

* incoordination

* dysphagia (difficulty swallowing

Suffering from a Brain Injury Caused By Train Collision

Individuals who have had the misfortune of suffering adversely because of a train wreck can find assistance in consulting a knowledgeable train wreck attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to offer insightful information as to developing a personal injury lawsuit.

Unfortunately, medical bills associated with TBI can become very costly, very quickly.