LAS VEGAS, Nevada. In the last two months, we’ve seen a recent increase in train accidents in the U.S. Most recently, an Amtrak train collided with a passenger train in South Carolina. Why have we been seeing more accidents like this? The Atlantic claims that these accidents are the result of America’s decaying infrastructure. Amtrak reportedly owns many of the rails on which its trains run. However, due to the company’s limited budget, it can’t always repair the rails. This can lead to problems with the track. In South Carolina, signals weren’t working on the stretch of track where the accident occurred. Manual operators were signaling. This leaves quite a bit of room open for human error. It is believed that a switch wasn’t properly turned, which may have put the train on the wrong track. In South Carolina, this resulted in at least two deaths. Were a similar mistake like this to happen in a major metropolitan city like New York, Boston, or Philadelphia, the death toll could be much higher.
But train tracks aren’t the only places where America’s decaying infrastructure can pose a problem. Poor road conditions can also lead to accidents. According to the Economist, governments have failed to collect adequate revenue to cover road repairs. This has led to failing bridges, poor roads, and a greater risk of injury to road users.
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the U.S. infrastructure a grade of D. With so many Americans on the road, it isn’t clear how lawmakers can ignore the need to improve American roads. Potholes and other road hazards can not only lead to flat tires, they can also lead to situations where drivers could lose control of their vehicles. In major cities like Las Vegas, poor roadway conditions coupled with truck traffic can also create more hazards. Truck traffic can cause greater degrees of wear and tear on roadways, so corridors that are heavily used by trucks may need to be more closely monitored.
Some critics and policymakers believe that trucks should be taxed specifically to pay for road repairs. Others believe that oil companies should be taxed a rate that is commensurate with inflation. Oil companies are taxed based on 1993 rates, according to the Economist.
Citizens can also take personal action. If you or a loved one has been injured on a poorly maintained road, you may be entitled to seek damages from the government entity that manages the road. While suing the government can be a complex process, sometimes it can raise awareness and lead to change, while giving families justice.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, consider speaking to the qualified Las Vegas, Nevada car accident lawyer at the Truman Law Firm, P.C. Our firm understands the many factors that can be involved in a car accident. From distracted driving, to poor road conditions, there may be many stakeholders involved in a single accident. Visit us at http://trumanlawfirm.com/ to learn more about your rights today.
