Common Causes of Railroad Crossing Accidents

 Posted on July 04, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

Railroad crossings are dangerous intersections, and most people know to stay away from train tracks and to avoid lingering around crossings due to the potential for harmful collisions. However, accidents do happen, and in addition to errors by the person hit by the train, these accidents can be caused by negligence by the person operating the train or mechanical defects on the train itself.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a railroad crossing accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against the responsible party. An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer can help you understand what to do next.

How Do Most Railroad Crossing Accidents Occur?

Railroad crossing accidents are avoidable most of the time if safety standards are met and the people operating and maintaining trains act with care. However, this does not always happen, resulting in tragic collisions between trains and passenger cars, trucks, and even pedestrians near crossings.

The most common causes of railroad crossing accidents include:

• Negligence from those operating the train, such as the train conductor or engineer

• Negligence or error from those working on train tracks

• Improper or negligent maintenance of the train or tracks, such as the train’s brakes

• Defective crossing guards, or crossing guards that are improperly maintained

• Defective train tracks

• Negligence when loading a train, such as overloading a train with cargo

• Improperly marked railroad crossings

What Are the Consequences of a Railroad Crossing Accident?

Railroad crossing accidents are serious, with the speed and strength of trains severely damaging any cars and catastrophically injuring people who are caught in a collision. The consequences of a railroad crossing accident can include the following injuries:

• Head, neck, and back injuries

• Traumatic head injuries

• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis

• Amputation

• Organ damage

• Severely broken bones

• Burns, scarring, and disfigurement

Additionally, victims of a railroad crossing accident may suffer from fatal injuries due to a collision. In these cases, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation.

Contact an Irving, TX Personal Injury Attorney

When a railroad crossing accident occurs, it often has tragic consequences and can result in fatalities to victims. You will need a skilled Dallas County, TX personal injury lawyer at your side as you navigate your legal options after you or a loved one is injured or killed in a railroad crossing accident.

Attorney Jerry D. Andrews is board-certified in the area of personal injury law, and he is ready to provide you with dedicated, knowledgeable representation for your case. Our staff is also fluent in Spanish.

Contact Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. at 214-221-5800 for a free consultation.