Royal Hatten Jr. Died After Bessemer Train Collision

FATAL CAR-TRAIN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Unfortunately, accidents involving trains and vehicles are not uncommon. In 2019 alone, roughly 1,850 train accidents occurred, resulting in nearly 100 injuries and fatalities combined.

Crashes like this one can stem from a variety of causes, including personnel error, track failure, mechanical malfunction, signalman error, or reckless behavior.

Officials will examine all of these possibilities as part of the ongoing investigation.

Candice Bond, an experienced train accident attorney, said that in cases such as this, it is also imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of a victim’s family.

“Train crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News. “A skilled attorney can protect the family of a victim from train companies, which often send their investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize in an attempt to defend their negligence.”

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Royal Hatten Jr. may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Following a tragic or catastrophic accident, survivors of wrongful death victims can seek damages for loss of love and companionship, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights. An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during this difficult time and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”

Formica added, “The passenger may also open a claim with the insurance company of the vehicle they were occupying if their driver is held liable. This option has no impact on one’s own insurance policy, since the claim is being made against an insurance policy that is not their own.”

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