Railroad Crossing Accidents

Injuries and Deaths From Crossing Accidents

Train crossing accidents can be terrifying and devastating. Victims attempting to cross the tracks are stuck in their vehicle with a train barreling down upon them. In many instances, the only action motorists can take is to jump out of the vehicle and try to get off the tracks before the train hits. In some instances, however, they don’t have enough time and are in the vehicle when it is struck by the train.

The result, not surprisingly, is catastrophic injury and death. Family members who have lost a loved one in a crossing accident may wonder about their options. Can they recover compensation from the railroad? Are other resources available to survivors?

Contact Our Houston Attorneys After a Crossing Accident

At the Houston law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, our attorneys help people after they have been injured or lost a loved one in a railroad accident. Since 1951, we have been counseling clients about their legal rights and options, helping them seek compensation for their losses and damages. To speak with a member of our legal team, call (713) 222-7211 (toll free 713-222-7211) or contact us online for a free consultation.

Issues in Railroad Crossing Accidents

The frequency of crossing accident injuries and deaths does not have to be so high. In 2012, there were 32 railroad crossing fatalities in Texas. In 2014, Texas had the third highest number of railroad crossing fatalities, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Although the 20 deaths in 2014 are less than those in 2012, the number keeps fluctuating. And nationally, the number of crossing fatalities has increased in the past few years. In 2014, Texas had the most injuries and deaths from grade crossing accidents.

What causes these accidents? Reasons that vehicles get hit at crossings include:

• Missing or malfunctioning crossing gates
• Missing or malfunctioning warning lights and sounds
• Missing warning signs
• Poor crossing designs that trap vehicles on tracks
• Trains’ inability to stop because of heavy loads or driver inattention

Such causes are the result of poor maintenance or unwillingness to place automatic warnings – lights, gates and signals – at all grade crossings, rather than just a few. In most instances, this can be attributed to a railroad line being unwilling to shoulder the expense of such improvements..

Were You Injured or Did You Lose a Loved One in a Texas Railroad Crossing Accident? Call Our Houston Law Firm Today.

At Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, our Houston attorneys take the time to explain the options available to people whose lives have been devastated by a railroad crossing accident. To learn how we might help you, call us at (713) 222-7211 (toll free 713-222-7211) or contact us online for a free consultation.