Railroad pedestrian crosswalks are designed to safely guide pedestrians across active train tracks. But when these areas are not properly maintained, they can pose serious dangers. Uneven surfaces, broken pavement, loose ballast, or missing warning signage can lead to trip and fall accidents—often resulting in serious injuries.
If you’ve been hurt in a fall at a railroad crosswalk, knowing what to do next is crucial to protecting your health and preserving your legal rights. At Kunnel Law, we’ve helped clients navigate these complex cases, including those involving crosswalk defects at train stations in Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, always seek medical care after a fall. Trip and fall injuries can worsen over time, especially if they involve head trauma, internal injuries, or joint damage. Prompt medical documentation also strengthens your injury claim later on.
Step 2: Document the Scene
If you’re able, take clear photographs or videos of the defect that caused your fall. Focus on:
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Uneven or broken pavement between the rails
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Loose or scattered gravel (ballast) on the walking surface
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Missing handrails or warning signs
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Poor lighting or visibility issues
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Any nearby signage indicating maintenance work (or lack thereof)
Also, note the exact location of the incident, including the name of the train station or nearby cross street. Railroad crosswalks often fall under the overlapping control of different entities, so precise location details are critical.
Step 3: Report the Incident
Make sure to notify the appropriate authority. This could be:
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SEPTA personnel if the incident occurred at a SEPTA station
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Local police or emergency services
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A station manager or supervisor on site
Request a copy of the incident report or at least the report number, if one is generated.
Step 4: Identify the Responsible Parties
One of the most complex aspects of a trip and fall at a railroad crosswalk is determining who is responsible. Liability often depends on where and how the defect occurred.
Here are some common examples:
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SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority): If the defect exists within a SEPTA-operated facility, platform, or crosswalk area, SEPTA may be the primary entity responsible for inspection, maintenance, and repairs.
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City of Philadelphia: If the pedestrian crosswalk crosses the tracks at a city-owned street or intersection, the City may be responsible for the surface and signage, especially outside the boundaries of the station itself.
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PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation): In some areas, especially those involving state roads intersecting with rail lines, PennDOT may have responsibility for signage, crossing maintenance, or surface conditions.
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Private Rail Operators or Contractors: If a private rail company or third-party contractor handled the installation or maintenance of the crosswalk, they could also be a liable party.
Each of these entities may try to shift responsibility onto the others, which is why thorough investigation and legal guidance is essential.
Step 5: Contact an Attorney Who Understands Railroad Crosswalk Injuries
Railroad-related trip and fall cases are not typical premises liability matters. These claims often involve issues like:
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Sovereign immunity (for public entities like SEPTA or PennDOT)
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Federal safety regulations under the Federal Railroad Administration
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Lack of clear ownership over the crosswalk area
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Inspection and maintenance protocols specific to transit authorities
At Kunnel Law, we understand these complexities. We’ve handled cases involving falls at train stations where the crosswalk itself contained unsafe gaps, unlevel surfaces, or loose ballast that had migrated into the walking path. In many cases, we’ve seen how negligent inspection procedures or poor coordination between government agencies lead to hazardous conditions that put the public at risk.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been injured in a trip and fall at a railroad crosswalk in Pennsylvania, don’t assume it was just bad luck. These walkways must be designed and maintained with pedestrian safety in mind. When authorities fail to do their job, you have the right to seek justice.
Let Kunnel Law help. We’ll investigate the facts, identify all potentially responsible parties, and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call today for a free consultation
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a complete summary of Pennsylvania premises liability or transportation law. It is intended to highlight key considerations for individuals who have experienced a trip and fall at or near a railroad pedestrian crosswalk and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its specific facts and circumstances. If you have questions about your legal rights following an accident, please consult with an experienced attorney.