Boston, MA 3/31/2008 11:57:51 PM
Canton Massachusetts Train Accident - A Cause for Concern Says Boston Lawyer
Boston Injury Attorney Michael Shepard Creates Help Line for Injured
March 26, 2008 MBTA Commuter Train Crash Leaves Thousands of Local Commuters Concerned About Their Safety When Using Crowded City Rail Lines for Daily Transportation
March 28, 2008- The recent headline making train crash in Canton, Massachusetts has left many with unanswered questions. The incident occurred last Wednesday, March 26, 2008 when a Boston bound MBTA Commuter Train was hit by a freight car. The car, containing lumber broke away and struck the southbound train after running loose for approximately three miles. One hundred fifty of the three hundred passengers on board were injured in the collision, and taken to local hospitals. The exact cause for the freight car disconnection has yet to be determined.
A Cause for Concern
Following the accident, several local commuters have expressed concerns regarding their safety when using the rail system. Several train lines that run in the Boston area use the same railways including freight and commuter trains. Regarding safety measures taken for preventing one train from having an accident with another, Boston litigation attorney Michael Shepard states “When a freight car is left in a siding, it is supposed to have its brakes locked and chocks placed under its wheels in case the brakes fail. As an added measure, there is a device designed to derail the car in case both the brakes and chocks fail."
However, despite the measures taken, the shock of this type of accident happening has resulted in several individuals feeling that railway transportation may not be as safe as assumed. Besides an issue of human safety, individuals have also expressed concern about the effect this and other incidents will have on already increasing gas prices. Commuting costs are at an all time high, and many fear that it will lead to over crowding of rail lines, and an even bigger safety hazard. In the event of a future accident, an increase in train commuters can result in far more injuries or deaths than occurred from the recent accident.
Toll Free Assistance Created by: Boston Personal Injury Lawyer
For those with unanswered questions about the recent crash, a toll free helpline is now available specifically for their needs. Attorney Michael Shepard of The Shepard Law Firm has set up a toll free help line for individuals with questions related to the accident, and the possible repercussions it may have on the future of this type of public transit. Individuals may call 1-800-451-4471 with inquiries or concerns. The free service comes in response to the many individuals who’ve expressed concern for family members and victims involved in the accident.
About The Michael Shepard Firm
The Shepard Law Firm specializes in personal injury law. The firm has extensive practice in successfully litigating transportation accident cases including those involving trains, cars, trucks, and aircrafts. Recently, Michael Shepard obtained a verdict of $6.4 million for a client in an ambulance roll-over case from a Massachusetts jury. It is the 6th highest verdict in Massachusetts last year (in 2007), Says Shepard of the MBTA train accident “The MBTA has been running its trains on lines owned by CSX Corporation for years. When you combine freight and passenger service on busy train lines, you have to be extra vigilant or you are asking for trouble.” The Shepard Firm encouraging those with legal questions pertaining to this or other accidents to visit them online at http://www.shepardlawfirm.com. Injured parties are eligible to receive a free consultation or case review.
For more information about Michael Shepard or The Shepard Firm, please visit http://www.shepardlawfirm.com, or for questions about the Canton train wreck, call 1-800-451-4471.
