Austin Train Accident Attorneys

Skilled Representation for Victims of Catastrophic Accidents

Trains are large, very heavy, and often traveling at great speeds. Collisions between a train and anything else produce damage and injuries to any people involved. In Texas, railroad tracks crisscross the quarter-of-a-million-plus square miles of land, with trains from many different railroads flying along those rails and crossing publicly traveled streets and highway at an enormous number of crossings.

That’s a lot of opportunities for accidents and for injuries to train crews, passengers, people, vehicles, bicycles, even buildings near the tracks. The injuries and property damage can be enormous, and recovering compensation for the injuries involves many different laws and, often, the technical details of railroading.

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a train accident, Briggle & Polan, PLLC can help. Our Austin train accident attorneys have extensive experience with these types of complex claims and are fully prepared to represent you in trial if necessary. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients; let us fight for you and your family.

Contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC today for a free consultation. Call (512) 400-3278.

Types of Metrorail or Train Accidents

Railway accidents consist of several different types, which tend to have different causes and injury patterns:

• Derailments, which can involve any number of railroad cars (and may involve secondary collisions with buildings, vehicles, etc., depending on where the derailment occurs)
• Collisions between trains
• Collisions between a train and a motor vehicle
• Pedestrians or bicyclists hit by a train
• In rare cases, trains hitting or being hit by rocks or other objects (landslides, trees, etc.)

Derailments and collisions between trains and vehicles or people at grade crossings are by far the most common. In 2015 alone, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reported there were over 2,000 vehicle-train collisions at grade crossings, resulting in 244 deaths and 967 injuries. Many of these accidents take place at crossings which lack safety devices like barrier gates, flashing lights, and bells.

Toxic Spills from Train Accidents

Most trains are hauling freight and much of the freight consists of chemicals, fuels, and other substances that are toxic to some degree. When a train hauling a toxic material is involved in an accident, there’s always a chance that the toxin will spill or leak out into the environment. If the accident involves a fire or the toxin naturally gives off fumes, the immediate surrounding areas where people live, work, and shop may be in danger, as may the train’s crew, passengers if there are any, and the various rescue workers and medical personnel on the scene.

Who Is Potentially Liable?

The railroad business operates with a great deal of cooperation between railroads. Different companies routinely use each other’s tracks, and all railroads intersect public streets and highways at multiple locations. The “rolling stock” is manufactured by, and may be repaired and maintained by, a different company than the one that owns and operates it. All of which can make it very difficult to even figure out who was responsible for the problem that caused the accident.

The list of potentially liable entities includes:

• The company that owns the train, like Metrorail, actually involved in the accident (which is also responsible for hiring and training the crew, the equipment on the train, etc.)
• The company that owns the tracks, which includes safety and signaling devices along the track and at crossings, clearing brush, and other obstacles to the line of sight
• The driver of any motor vehicle involved in an accident with the train (the vehicle's manufacturer or seller may, in rare cases, also be liable)
• In relatively rare cases, the company that manufactured, repaired, or refurbished the train may be liable for doing that job negligently, if that caused or contributed to the accident
• In relatively rare cases, the local government, if it has the responsibility for the public roadway where the accident occurred, and the condition of the roadway caused or contributed to the accident

Railroad Worker Injuries & FELA

There is a federal law, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which sets the rules when a railroad worker has been injured by the negligence of the employer. These claims are similar to a workers’ compensation claim, but require additional proof by the injured worker that the employer was negligent and that negligence caused the worker’s injury. If successful, a FELA claim allows the injured worker to recover a wide range of damages.

Understanding Local Train Accident Challenges in Austin

Living in Austin, we are all too familiar with the bustling activity around our city’s numerous railway crossings. The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) operates the MetroRail, a vital part of our daily commute. However, with the convenience of rail transport comes the risk of accidents, especially at busy intersections near the University of Texas or the downtown area.

One of the significant pain points for Austin residents is the frequent congestion at railway crossings, which can lead to impatient drivers and, unfortunately, accidents. The City of Austin has been improving safety measures, but many crossings still exist without adequate safety devices, such as barrier gates and flashing lights. This lack of safety infrastructure can result in severe accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Another concern is the transportation of hazardous materials through our city. With trains often carrying chemicals and fuels, any derailment or collision poses a significant risk of toxic spills. This is particularly worrying for neighborhoods close to the tracks, such as those in East Austin, where residents could be exposed to harmful substances in the event of an accident.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we understand Austin residents' unique challenges regarding train accidents. We are familiar with the local landscape and the specific issues that can arise at our city’s railway crossings. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Get Help from a Train Accident Injury Attorney

Whatever kind of railway accident caused your injuries, the Austin train accident attorneys at Briggle & Polan, PLLC can help. We can figure out who, among the jumble of people and companies involved, is legally responsible. We have a track record of success in obtaining the compensation our clients deserve and need in order to start putting their lives back together.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we know what to expect from the railroad’s lawyers and how to overcome the defenses they are likely to claim as a reason you shouldn’t be compensated or should accept far less than you deserve. Give us the details as you understand them and if you have a case, we’ll take it from there.

Request a free, no-obligation consultation; call (512) 400-3278 or contact us online today.