Houston Train Accident Attorney

a locomotive train, with the Houston skyline in the background

Railroad companies provide important services by delivering food, goods, lumber, and more across the United States. However, a railroad company’s negligence can cause a devastating train accident resulting in catastrophic injuries. Negligent railroad companies put Houston residents who cross railroad tracks at risk. Victims who’ve been injured in train accidents may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit

Discuss Your Train Accident Case With a Houston Attorney

The skilled personal injury attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC know how to hold railroad companies accountable when train accidents cause serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a train accident in Texas or experienced any other type of railroad-related injury, we can help you. We provide our clients with the personal attention they deserve. Contact Ceja Law Firm PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about your legal rights. 

Common Causes of Train Passenger Injuries in Texas

When railroad companies use older, worn-out equipment, fail to hire and train safe train operators, or act negligently in other ways, they put the public at risk. In other cases, train accidents are caused by third parties, such as other negligent drivers or municipalities who fail to keep railroad crossings safe for drivers and pedestrians. Many train accidents are preventable, caused by improper judgment, negligence, and other types of human error. Some of the most common causes of train accidents include the following:

  • Train operator negligence or error
  • Failure to properly maintain a train 
  • Trains moving at an excessive speed
  • Trains operating dangerously during bad weather
  • Rail crossings that are not functioning properly or improperly maintained
  • Improperly positioned rail cars
  • Failure to move or clear derailed train cars from an area
  • Malfunctioning functioning of latches and switches
  • Cargo not secured property 
  • Faulty railroad tracks
  • Unsafe conditions in the interior of the train
  • Faulty crossroad signals

Who Can Be Held Liable for Train Accidents?

If you were injured in a train accident, you might be able to hold one or more parties responsible for your damages. The railroad company may be at fault for the accident and required to pay damages. When you work with Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we will gather evidence related to the cause of the accident to effectively determine who is financially responsible for your injuries.

For example, if the train failed to brake in time to prevent a collision, we look for evidence showing the train company failed to regularly and properly maintain their trains. Other parties may be liable for the collision. For example, if a third-party driver collided with the train, you may be able to pursue compensation from that individual. We will investigate all liable parties to develop an effective legal strategy for obtaining the compensation you deserve. 

How Common Are Railroad Deaths and Injuries?

Due to their large size and fast speed, injuries caused by train accidents are typically severe. They may even cause a person’s death. Most of the injuries caused by train accidents are caused by a train derailing or colliding with another vehicle or train. Collisions between trains and other vehicles occur less frequently, but they can cause mass casualties when they do occur. 

Other railroad accidents can involve a train negligently dumping hazardous waste or cargo into an area, exposing residents to injurious chemicals. When trains carry explosive chemicals or other combustible materials, they have the potential to explode. Victims of train accidents can include train employees, passengers, trespassers, or other non-trespassers. In 2020, 757 people died in fatal railroad accidents, while 5,479 suffered nonfatal injuries. Motorists are at significant risk of serious injuries when colliding with a train.

Injuries Caused by Train Accidents

Train accidents can cause nearly any personal injury, from internal organ damage to spinal cord injuries. Train accident passengers are less likely to die from train accidents, but when train accidents occur with passengers on board, the likelihood of fatalities and multiple injuries increases. For example, in June 2022, three train passengers died, and 50 became injured when an Amtrak train collided with a dump truck on a public crossing. The train derailed with 243 people on board and caused several cars to roll on their sides.

How Much Is My Train Accident Case Worth?

If you or your loved one has been injured in a train accident, you may be wondering how much your case is worth and whether it’s worth pursuing a personal accident claim. In many cases, train accidents are more catastrophic than other types. The degree of severity will directly influence how much your claim is worth. For example, if a person had to have his or her foot amputated after a train accident, he or she will be permanently disabled. Cases involving permanent injuries are typically more valuable. 

A person who can no longer work due to his or her injuries could be entitled to significant compensation. The case’s unique circumstances, including the defendant’s degree of fault and the evidence available, will also determine the case’s value. The best way to understand how much your case may be worth is to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney. At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we regularly work with financial and medical experts to determine the total amount of damages our clients have suffered, including all of their past and future medical expenses.

Reach Out to a Houston Train Accident Attorney

Pursuing a lawsuit against a train company or another liable party can be overwhelming, especially for those recovering from serious injuries. If you are your loved one has been injured in a Houston train accident, you don’t have to go through the process alone. The experienced trial attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC will handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. We will thoroughly investigate your case and be ready for trial when necessary. Contact Ceja Law Firm PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation. 

Ceja Law Firm PLLC helps clients with train accident cases throughout Harris County and the Greater Houston Area including Pasadena, Baytown, Sugar Land, Bellaire, Galveston, Texas City, Jacinto City, and more.