Dallas Railroad Accident Lawyers
Helping Railroad Crossing & Train Accident Victims Nationwide
Thousands of people are injured in train accidents in the U.S. every year. This includes railroad workers, passengers, and people who are on or near railroad property. Derailments, collisions, and crossing accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or claim lives, leaving victims and their families to suffer.
Arnold & Itkin represents injured railroad workers and train accident victims in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas. Our attorneys have experience with personal injury, wrongful death, and Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) claims, meaning we can pursue whichever source of benefits is appropriate in your case. Our mission will be to get you the care and support you need for all accident-related injuries, expenses, and losses.
For personal attention and experienced representation, call (888) 493-1629.
Train Accident Injury Statistics: Who Is Most Likely to Be Injured?
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported 7,574 train accident injuries in the U.S. in 2013, including injuries at highway-rail crossings. Most of the people who were injured were:
- Railroad workers on duty at the time of the incident (4,100)
- Train passengers (1,341)
- People lawfully on or near railroad property (1,289)
- Trespassers (600)
- Others (244)
Types & Causes of Railroad Accidents
Freight and passenger trains may be involved in accidents that have the potential to cause significant harm to everyone on board as well as anyone nearby. With passenger trains in particular, a single accident could cause numerous injuries or deaths, like the 1993 derailment of an Amtrak train in Mobile, Alabama that left 47 dead and 103 injured when the train hit a deformed bridge, or the 2008 collision between a Union Pacific freight train and a Metrolink passenger train that claimed 25 lives and left over 135 injured.
Our Dallas train accident law firm helps victims of any type of rail accident, including:
- Derailments
- Collisions
- Accidents and injuries on board
- Train platform accidents
- Crossing accidents
- Falls from moving trains
- Fires and explosions
- Bridge and tunnel collapses
- Attacks or assaults on trains
- Runaway trains
These incidents may be caused by operator error, machinery malfunction, or defective tracks. The following is a comprehensive list of potential causes:
- Train conductor negligence
- Improper maintenance of train tracks
- Signalmen’s errors
- Mishandling of the engine
- Collapsed bridges or tunnels
- Faulty equipment
- Excessive speed
- Failure to brake in a timely manner
- Engineer distraction
- Improperly aligned switches
- Failure to activate switches
- Defective crossties
- Mechanical failure
- Track and roadbed malfunctions
- Train signal defects
- Obstructions on the tracks
Train Accident FAQ
Who Might be Liable for Train Accidents?
Trains require multiple companies and agencies to run. This means that multiple parties are often responsible for train accidents. Possible at-fault parties include track owners, train manufacturers, parts manufacturers, railroad companies, railroad operators, transit agencies, and city/state operators or administrators.
What Is FELA?
The Federal Employers Liability Act, also known as FELA, allows railroad workers to seek compensation from their employer if they were injured because of a railroad’s negligence or failure to follow safety standards.
Are Railroads Liable for Unsafe Crossings?
While state and federal entities fund railroad crossing protections, it’s usually the responsibility of railroad operators to maintain them. If your accident occurred because of inadequately maintained crossings, including poor visibility and malfunctioning equipment, you might be able to hold the railroad company accountable for your injuries. Call our Dallas train accident lawyers today to find out if you have a case. A consultation is free when you dial (888) 493-1629.
Talk to a Dallas Train Accident Attorney
Trying to get the medical care and financial help you need after a railroad accident can be difficult, but we’re here to help. Whether you were a passenger on a train, lost someone you love in a crossing accident, or were working at the time of your injury, you can count on our team to have the expertise to assist you. What’s more, we’ll be available when you need us and will take the time to keep you informed so you know what to expect.
Call (888) 493-1629 today to find out what our Dallas personal injury attorneys can do to help you and your family. Your consultation is free, and you pay no upfront costs and no fees at all unless we win your case.
