Houston Train Accident Lawyer
Trains are extremely large vehicles, and they are very heavy, particularly when they are loaded with cargo. Trains also travel at very high speeds, and they take a long time to slow down and come to a full stop. All of these factors contribute to the fact that when a train accident occurs, it usually results in catastrophic injuries. Accident victims can include workers and passengers on board, drivers, and other innocent bystanders. If you have been hurt in a crash, a Houston train accident lawyer can help you claim full compensation for your injuries.
Common Types of Train Accidents
In 2019, there were a total of 1,848 train accidents, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Approximately 70 percent of accidents involved derailments, while six percent were caused by collisions. The remaining accidents were classified as being caused by “other” reasons.
Derailments may not sound serious, but they are. When a train derails, it can roll over or continue traveling due to its own momentum. That can cause very serious injuries for anyone onboard. If a derailment occurs within a populated area, such as at a train crossing, innocent drivers on the road may also become hurt. Trains that are carrying dangerous cargo, such as chemicals, can also dump that hazardous cargo into nearby neighborhoods and other areas, causing the people in those locations to suffer illnesses and injuries.
Trains rarely crash with other vehicles, but when it happens, the results are catastrophic. According to Operation Lifesaver, a motorist that is involved in a train accident is 20 times more likely to die than in a crash involving another motor vehicle.
Common Causes of Train Accidents
Train accidents are caused by many different factors. Sadly, most of these crashes are preventable. Human error, a lack of judgment, and negligence are the main causes of train accidents. The most common types of these mistakes and acts of negligence include:
- Rail crossings that are not maintained properly or that do not function properly
- Rail cars being positioned in locations not meant for them
- Train cars that become derailed and are not promptly cleared or moved from the area
- Switches and latches that are broken or that do not function properly
- Speeding trains, particularly when the weather is bad
- Improperly secured cargo, or objects protruding from sides of the train
- Train operator error or negligence
- Failure to maintain the train properly
A Houston train accident lawyer will identify the cause of the crash so you know which negligent party to hold accountable for your injuries.
Our Experienced Train Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Help You Claim Compensation
Injuries resulting from a train accident are devastating, painful, and extremely costly to treat. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, a Houston train accident lawyer at Livingston & Flowers, PLLC, can help you claim the compensation you need to make a full recovery. Call us today at 713-489-4400 or contact us online to schedule a free confidential consultation with one of our skilled attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.
