Were you injured in a train accident in Houston? If the accident wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses. The Houston train accident lawyers of The DJF Law Firm, PLLC can help.
The train was once known as the “iron horse” and emerged during a time when the dominant mode of transportation was still the horse and wagon. Fast and powerful, these vehicles revolutionized how we transported goods across the country. Over time, planes, cargo ships, and semi-trucks cut into the workload of these machines. However, even today, trains still play a vital role in delivering lumber, coal, chemicals, and other goods across the continent.
Although not as common as car or semi-truck accidents, train accidents happen regularly. Statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration rank Texas as the leading state for train collisions. In 2021, 247 train accidents resulted in 17 deaths and at least 58 injuries.
Unfortunately, collisions involving trains are often catastrophic. Trains cannot stop on a dime, so even when a hazard is spotted, it may be too late for a train conductor to avoid a significant collision. The result can be traumatic injuries and even death. At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the monumental impact a train collision can have on an individual. We also know how complicated it can be to hold potentially careless train companies responsible for their actions.
If you or someone close to you is involved in a train accident, get in touch with the skilled Houston train accident team at The DJF Law Firm, PLLC. Our legal team wants to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Set up a free case evaluation by calling 832-529-3476 today.
Train accidents are unlike any other type of transportation accident. Train collisions are particularly hazardous because they can result in derailments, chemical spills, and explosions. The aftermath of these types of events can cause significant property damage and severe injuries. Typically, the more damage, the more expensive the claim.
Train companies are businesses, meaning they operate to turn a profit. Paying out claims to people injured in train collisions is not generally great for their business. Insurers and train company lawyers tend to spring into action immediately after an accident attempting to limit liability and protect the interests and profit margins of the company. Who is protecting you after an accident?
To have the best chance at recovering fair compensation for your injuries, you need the help only an experienced Houston train accident attorney can provide. Train accidents are significantly more complicated than other wrecks and can be immensely challenging and time-consuming to investigate. It takes a skilled personal injury attorney with experience handling train accident claims to navigate the complex process. A Houston train accident attorney can help you by:
At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, our legal team understands what it takes to build a strong train accident claim on your behalf. We have the knowledge and resources to investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Don’t try to navigate the situation alone, and never accept a settlement offer without first discussing your position with an experienced Houston train accident attorney.
Train accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. However, the overreaching cause of most train collisions is human error. Some of the most common causes of Houston train accidents tend to include:
Human error is generally responsible for most Houston train accidents. However, inclement weather conditions and poor visibility can also play a role in causing significant train collisions.
Most rail cars weigh about 50,000 pounds when empty and up to 315,000 pounds loaded. Tier 4 locomotives can weigh nearly 432,000 pounds. By comparison, the maximum federal gross vehicle weight limit for semi-trucks is 80,000 pounds. Anything caught in the path of an oncoming train is reduced to rubble. Train accidents cause devastating injuries that can significantly change the quality of a person’s entire life.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s list of Texas train accidents outlines how catastrophic Houston train accident injuries can be. Some of the most common injuries reported include:
Train accident injuries can cause disfigurement, life-long disabilities, and painful scarring. These catastrophic collisions may also be responsible for causing significant mental health conditions like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Tragically, many train collisions also result in fatalities.
Determining the cause of a train crash can be immensely complicated. Many different factors can play into how an accident occurs, including the actions of the train operator and the functionality of the train and railway systems. It is not always as easy as pointing the finger at one person. Sometimes multiple parties may be responsible for the conditions that led to a train accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the following parties may be either partially or completely liable:
It takes an experienced attorney to get to the bottom of who may be liable for causing a train accident.
A train accident can leave you with significant physical impairments and throw you into financial turmoil. Although you may wish to settle your claim so you can move forward with your life and pay off your medical bills, it is seldom in your best interest to accept a hastily drawn-up offer from a railroad company or its insurer. Insurers know you are in a uniquely vulnerable position. However, an initial offer is almost always too low, even though it’s supposed to entice you to settle quickly and quietly.
What is a fair offer? That depends on the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries. There is no “average” train settlement offer. Even if there were, it still might not do you any good. What you need is fair and meaningful compensation tailored to your unique circumstances. At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, our goal is to review your situation and calculate the full and fair value of your claim. We will then negotiate on your behalf for what you deserve.
In most cases, Houston train accident victims can pursue compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are a person’s measurable financial losses, while non-economic losses are subjective quality of life changes. You may be eligible to recover money for the following:
Unfortunately, train accidents can be fatal. If you lost a loved one in a significant train accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your family member. In addition to lost income and lost benefits, you could recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses. To review your legal options, contact an experienced Houston train accident attorney.
Like other types of accidents, such as car and truck crashes, train accidents fall under the umbrella of personal injury cases. Texas gives victims of personal injury accidents two years from the collision to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. While this may sound like plenty of time to file a lawsuit, the time can pass before you know it.
Even though you may not initially be thinking of filing a lawsuit, there are strategic factors you need to consider. What if an insurer is unwilling to negotiate in good faith or refuses to raise their offer? Are you willing to accept less than what your claim may be worth? Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be your best chance at recovering the money you need. However, if the insurer has been dragging their feet, you may run out of time and legal options.
Following a train accident, talk to a knowledgeable Houston train accident attorney. An attorney can review your situation and advise you of your legal options for recovering compensation.
A train accident can change the trajectory of your life. At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, no one understands this better than our team of experienced Houston train accident attorneys. Our legal team knows that during this challenging time, you need more than just effective legal representation. You need compassionate support. We offer both and are willing to go the extra mile for you.
The train accident attorneys at The DJF Law Firm, PLLC is committed to protecting your rights and working hard to recover every penny of compensation you deserve. For more information on how we may be able to help you after a Houston train accident, contact our office at 832-529-3476. Set up a free and confidential legal consultation today.