Train Accidents on the Horizon?

Murphy’s Law states that if something can go wrong, it will.  The most deadly train-related catastrophe to ever occur took place nearly a century ago on July 9, 1918—the Great Train Wreck of 1918.  Two locomotives, one from Nashville, Tennessee and another from Memphis, Tennessee collided head-on.  Among the twisted metal were the bodies of one hundred and one passengers.

Nearly 100 years later, train accidents are still happening.  About a year ago, two trains collided with one in the Texas panhandle.  Three crewmembers died in the accident—an engineer for one train and the conductors for both trains.  The sole survivor of the accident survived by jumping from the train, but he sustained serious injuries.

Industry Changes May Affect a Town Near You

There is a notable change taking place in regards to the freight moving though the United States.  Trains are becoming much longer.  These longer train lengths have raised safety concerns “by the labor unions that represent the engineers, conductors and other rail workers who toil on, in and around the steel behemoths.”

Safety Concerns

With some trains as long as three miles, motorists, at a minimum, can expect traffic to be stopped for more than 10 minutes.  The impact of longer trains has a far-reaching impact on the safety and welfare of others.  At the very least, longer trains could prevent emergency vehicles and police from responding to life or death situations.  At the worst, longer trains could result in crashes, injury, and death due to the inability to stop the train in time to prevent a collision.

Types of Compensation Available to Train Accident Victims in Texas

In negligence-based cases, the types of compensation that are available are:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Prescription costs
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Personal property damage
• Physical impairment
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship and society
• Loss of consortium
• Other out-of-pocket expenses and non-financial losses

The total losses resulting from a train accident can be staggering – often far more than most people realize, and far more than anyone can reasonably expect to recover without the help of an experienced attorney.

Contact the Houston Railroad Accident Lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP

With offices in Houston, TX, Morrow & Sheppard LLP represents train accident victims throughout Texas and nationwide. If you have been injured or lost a loved one and would like to speak with a railroad accident lawyer, please call (800) 489-2216 or request a free consultation online today.