Train accidents often occur because of human error, problems with the track, equipment, and/or signal. Oftentimes many people are injured because of train accidents. There are many factors that lead to a railroad accident and there are many people who may be liable. It is the responsibility of the railroad company to maintain the tracks and the train. But truck and car drivers are responsible if they do not follow laws that are intended to protect against accidents. People who are injured in train accidents may be compensated for their injury, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Van Meter is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, along the Raccoon River. The population was 866 at the 2000 census. Major league baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller is a native of Van Meter and has a museum honoring him in the town. On November 11, 2006, Veterans Day, ground was broken for an Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a site located near Van Meter. Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was among those who helped dedicate the cemetery. Van Meter is situated west of Des Moines, just south of Interstate 80. and is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.