Railroad Crossing has the potential to be extraordinarily dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Each year, far too many people are involved in motor vehicle accidents with trains at railroad crossings in Texas and throughout the United States.
At Kolodny Law Firm, our law firm has extensive experience handling railroad accident claims and auto accident claims in Texas. We want to make sure that you have the tools and resources to protect your rights after a serious accident. In this article, you will find a guide to railroad crossing collisions in Texas.
Hundreds of People are Injured and Killed in Railroad Crossing Crashes Each Year
According to data from Operation Lifesaver, the official data from the federal government shows that 2,148 railroad crossing collisions occurred in the United States in 2021 alone. Taken together, these railroad crossing crashes resulted in 236 deaths and 662 serious injuries.
Notably, Texas had the largest number of railroad crossing motor vehicle collisions in the entire country. There were 247 reported railroad crossing accidents in Texas. These crashes resulted in 17 confirmed fatalities and 57 serious injuries.
Railroad Crossing Accidents Must be Thoroughly Investigated
Railroad crossing collisions are unique for a number of different reasons. Not only are these types of crashes disportionately likely to cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities, but they are largely preventable. Most railroad crossing crashes could have been stopped if all parties had taken the requisite safety precautions.
A number of different parties may be liable for railroad crossing collisionsāfrom train operators to train manufacturers to the company that owns/maintains the railroad tracks. A collision with a train always needs to be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. A lawyer will gather the evidence you need to prove liability.
For a free legal consultation, call (713) 532-4474 or fill out the contact form below
Common Causes of Railroad Accidents in Texas
Railroad crossing accidents are often devastating and frequently preventable. There are several common causes of these dangerous collisions in Texas:
- Poorly Maintained Railroad Tracks.Ā Defective or poorly maintained railroad tracks can lead to derailments or unsafe conditions at crossings. Responsibility may fall on the railroad company or other parties tasked with maintenance.
- Malfunctioning Warning Signals.Ā Warning signals, such as flashing lights, gates, and bells, are essential for alerting drivers of an approaching train. If these signals malfunction or are not installed where needed, the risk of an accident increases significantly.
- Negligent Train Operators.Ā Train operators must follow strict safety protocols. Speeding, failing to sound the horn when approaching a crossing, or not adhering to safety regulations can contribute to serious accidents.
- Inadequate Visibility at Crossings.Ā Overgrown vegetation, poorly designed crossings, or inadequate lighting can make it difficult for drivers to see an approaching train. When visibility is compromised, the risk of collision rises.
- Driver Misjudgment or Error.Ā Motorists may misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming train or attempt to cross when it is unsafe. Distraction, impatience, or unfamiliarity with the crossing can also lead to tragic outcomes.
Recovering Full and Fair Financial Support After a Railroad Crossing Crash
Following a serious railroad crossing collision, it is imperative that you are able to get the financial compensation that you need to pay bills and provide for your family. Unfortunately, public and private railroad operators, other defendants, and large commercial insurance companies have a financial incentive to resolve claims for less.
Our Brazoria County railroad crossing accident lawyers are committed to helping victims get every dollar of compensation they deserve. Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, financial compensation may be available for:
- Property damage (vehicle repairs/replacement);Ā
- Ambulance and emergency room care;
- Other hospital bills and medical costs;
- Long-term medical treatment;Ā
- Lost wages and loss of earning ability;Ā
- Pain and suffering;
- Permanent disability or disfigurement; andĀ
- Wrongful death.
Railroad Crossing Collision FAQs
What Should I Do Immediately After a Railroad Crossing Accident in Texas?
After a railroad crossing accident, your safety and well-being are the top priorities. Call emergency services, seek medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, and report the accident to the appropriate authorities. It is also crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Railroad Crossing Accident?
Liability for a railroad crossing accident can involve multiple parties, including the railroad company, train operator, government entities responsible for crossing maintenance, and manufacturers of defective train components or signals. Each case requires a thorough investigation to determine fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Railroad Crossing Accident in Texas?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Texas is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, cases involving railroad companies may have specific rules or exceptions, making it important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Brazoria County Railroad Crossing Accident Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation Today
At Kolodny Law Firm, our Brazoria County railroad crossing crash attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights. If you or your loved one was involved in a catastrophic railroad crossing collision, we can help.
Contact us today to set up your free initial consultation. We handle railroad crossing accident claims throughout all of Brazoria County, including Pearland, Lake Jackson, Angleton, Alvin, and Clute.
Call (713) 532-4474Ā or complete aĀ Free Case Evaluation form
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. fromĀ Rice UniversityĀ and his J.D. fromĀ Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employersā Liability Act.
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