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Every day, almost 260,000 Houstonians commute to work or run their errands using the Houston METRORail system. And for the most part, those commutes are safe and uneventful. However, although commuting by rail is one of the safest forms of transportation, accidents can happen.
Whether the accident involves commuters, railroad workers, or other vehicles, the reality is that a train crash can cause serious injuries and property damage. Whatever your situation, a personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for any losses. Reach out to us today to learn how Brant Stogner, an experienced Houston railroad accident lawyer, can fight for your rights and help you get back on your feet.
Types of Train Accidents and Their Causes
Railroad crashes can take many forms. Therefore, knowledge of the specific type of train wreck can help a train accident lawyer in Houston determine how to approach the case. The most common types of railroad accidents include:
Derailments
These are the most common types of railroad crashes and happen when a train leaves its tracks, veering into and colliding with other objects. This is usually caused by operator mistakes, faulty train tracks, or sabotage.
Collisions
These could be in the form of train-train, train-vehicle, or train-pedestrian collisions. Accidents involving two trains may be caused by faulty switches, broken tracks, or misinformation from operators.
Railroad Crossing Crashes
Train-vehicle collisions are usually caused by vehicles either stuck on the tracks or trying to beat the train’s arrival and failing to make it across the railroad crossing on time. Other causes include faulty warning signs or driver error. Train-pedestrian accidents typically involve pedestrians walking on the tracks.
Brant Stogner is a respected railroad accident lawyer with 20+ years of trial experience who genuinely cares for his clients. When a train accident disrupts every area of your life, you need an attorney who is willing to aggressively advocate for you.
Establishing Liability in a Railroad Accident Case
To assign liability, a lawyer has to first identify the cause of the railroad incident. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), several issues contribute to these accidents. These include:
- Train operation errors
- Signal and communication errors
- Mechanical and electrical problems
Also, rail track, structure, and rail bed issues, railroad worker negligence, as well as other problems, can be responsible for collisions.
To successfully file an injury claim, the Houston train wreck attorney has to be familiar with Texas’s “common carrier” laws and show that the responsible party’s actions or negligence resulted in the railroad accident, and subsequent injuries or property damage.
Because most common carrier organizations have robust legal departments, your lawyer must have the necessary capacity to navigate and handle a case where they may have to deal with large corporations. Brant Stogner’s years of trial experience make him well-equipped to protect your interests.
What Damages are Available for Injured Victims of Railroad Crashes?
Injured victims of a train collision may be eligible to receive compensation for current and future medical expenses, damaged property, and lost current and future income. These are known as special damages.
Victims may also qualify for general damages, which cover:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Physical pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Reduced or lost quality of life
If the court determines that the liable party was particularly reckless or acted with malice, it can compel the defendant to pay punitive damages to the plaintiff.
Your Houston railroad crash lawyer, Brant Stogner, can assess the types of damages you may be entitled to and gather evidence to support your claim.
Contact Houston Railroad Accident Attorney Brant Stogner Today
Railroad crashes can be life-altering, with victims suffering severe injuries. However, with the help of seasoned Houston railroad accident lawyer Brant Stogner, you could recover these losses.
With over 20 years of trial law experience defending catastrophically injured Houstonians, Mr. Stogner is uniquely equipped to help pursue and recover a deserving settlement for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation.