Though one might think that because trains are so large and easy to see accidents are few and far between, they are actually more prevalent that many realize. It is because of the size and weight of trains that accidents involving the vehicles often result in serious injuries or death.

A pickup collided with at train last week in DuBois, Pennsylvania. The police accident report indicates the accident occurred in the evening as the man in the truck attempted to cross the train tracks at DuBois Street. The man's vehicle was travelling north at the time and was hit on the driver's side.

Before stopping, the train pushed the pickup nearly 300 feet along the tracks. As a result of the collision the man was initially pinned in his truck. He remained unresponsive as rescue workers attended to him. Once freed from the vehicle the man was taken first to the DuBois Regional Medical Center. He was eventually transported to Pittsburgh for medical care. Specifics regarding his condition are unknown.

This incident is currently being investigated. According to police, witnesses to the collision reported that at the time it occurred, the standard train warnings appeared to be working. In addition to the train's horn being sounded, the warning lights that had been installed at the railroad crossing were flashing.

Generally, depending on the specifics of accidents involving trains, injured parties may be able to seek compensation for their injuries. Regardless of whether or not the injured man will seek to recover damages to cover his injuries, all can agree that the man is lucky to be alive.

Source: gantdaily.com, "DuBois Man Critically Injured in Collision with Train," Oct. 1, 2011