UPDATE: Eight Dead in Amtrak Derailment, Train Reached Speeds of 106 MPH

For more info, see our original post here.

UPDATE:  Initial data from the train’s black box shows that the train entered the curve at 106 miles per hour, more than double the 50 miles per hour speed limit for the curve (and well above the 80 mile per hour speed limit of the straight portion of the track immediately before it).  Investigators also have recovered a video showing the train accelerating rapidly shortly before the accident.

In the wake of the crash, many are questioning why Amtrak had not installed a speed control system called positive train control that could have overridden the excessive speed and slowed the train down to appropriate speeds.  Amtrak CEO Joe Boardman even admitted that such a system would have prevented this accident.

This will clearly be a complicated investigation, and any lawsuits that arise from it will be similarly difficult and technical.  The timing of a lawsuit will be incredibly important, as Congress has set a cap on the amount of awards that Amtrak can be required to pay arising from a single accident or incident.  It is therefore essential that you immediately contact a member of the team at Fisher Injury Lawyers, who have the skill and experience in high profile, large scale accidents that few firms in the country possess.

Chris J. Day, Attorney-Engineer

Posted by Chris J. Day, Accident Attorney-Engineer

Mass Transit Accident Attorneys

Source:  CNBC, CNN, Washington Post