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San Antonio Railroad Accident Lawyer

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San Antonio Railroad Accident Lawyer

Train and railroad accidents are often more serious than other types of accidents. In the U.S., the numbers have been rising, with 995 railroad-related deaths in 2023—a 10% increase from the previous year. Nonfatal injuries also went up, totaling 6,705 in 2023.

These accidents can cause serious harm, and the victims often face long roads to recovery. Railroad accidents can have life-changing consequences, Whether due to a train derailment, a collision with another train, or faulty equipment.

Victims of these accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our San Antonio railroad accident lawyers at Patterson Law Group has experience helping people injured in train accidents get justice and protect their rights. We are committed to getting justice for our clients and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.

What is a Railroad Accident?

Railroad accidents involve any mishap that happens with trains or other rail-based transportation. These accidents could involve trains carrying people or cargo. They can happen for many reasons, from mechanical failures to human error.

Being involved in a railroad accident is traumatic, and those affected should contact a railroad accident attorney in San Antonio to explore their legal options.

Causes of Train Accidents in San Antonio

Several factors can lead to train accidents, and these are some of the most common causes in San Antonio:

Human Error

Many train accidents happen due to mistakes made by conductors, engineers, or other employees. A small error, like not braking on time or misjudging a signal, can lead to a catastrophic crash.

Even experienced workers can make mistakes when tired or distracted, which can have serious consequences. The best railroad accident attorney in San Antonio can help prove when human error played a role in the accident, ensuring the responsible parties are held accountable.

Lack of Proper Maintenance

Train tracks and equipment need to be maintained regularly to prevent accidents. When these aren’t maintained properly, the accident risk increases. Poor maintenance can cause things like derailments or mechanical failures, putting both passengers and workers at risk.

It’s the responsibility of railroad companies to keep their trains and tracks in good condition to avoid these dangers.

Weather Conditions

Bad weather can make it hard for trains to operate safely. When the weather turns rough, it increases the chances of an accident. For example, wet tracks can cause a train to skid, while fog can reduce visibility, making it difficult for conductors to see signals or obstacles.

A top-rated San Antonio railroad accident lawyer can help determine if weather was a factor in the crash and whether precautions were taken.

Train Derailment

Derailments happen when a train leaves its tracks, which can be caused by obstacles on the tracks, sharp curves, or collisions. Derailments are especially dangerous because they often lead to train cars tipping over, which can cause serious injuries to passengers and damage to the surrounding area.

Investigating the cause of the derailment is key to understanding who is responsible.

Bridge Collapse

If a train travels over a faulty bridge and the bridge collapses, the consequences can be devastating. This type of accident can lead to multiple train cars falling and serious injuries to passengers and crew.

A railroad injury lawyer in San Antonio can investigate whether the bridge’s condition contributed to the accident and whether proper inspections were done to ensure safety.

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Poor Track Conditions

Tracks that are not properly maintained can lead to accidents. Cracked, bent, or broken rails can cause a train to derail or lose control. When tracks aren’t kept in good shape, they become a hazard for trains and the people on board. Regular inspections and repairs are necessary to keep trains running safely.

Defective Equipment

If the train’s faulty equipment, like switches, signals, or track components, it can cause accidents. A no-win, no-fee railroad accident lawyer in San Antonio can pursue compensation if defective equipment causes the crash.

Collisions with Other Trains or Vehicles

If the train’s equipment is faulty, like switches, signals, or track components, it can cause accidents. Defective equipment can prevent a train from stopping in time or send it in the wrong direction.

A no-win, no-fee railroad accident lawyer in San Antonio can pursue compensation if defective equipment causes the crash, ensuring those responsible for faulty maintenance or manufacturing are held accountable.

Common Injuries in Train Accidents

Train accidents can lead to various injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Broken Bones: The impact of a train accident, especially if the crash is severe, can cause fractures and dislocations.
  • Concussions: Head injuries, such as concussions, are common in train accidents due to the force of the crash or being struck by debris.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Being thrown around during a crash can lead to spinal injuries, which may result in paralysis or long-term damage.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Severe head injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, can occur in crashes, leaving victims with lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
  • Debris Injuries: Flying or falling debris during a crash can cause cuts, bruises, and even more severe injuries.
  • Sprains and Strains: The sudden movement of a crash can cause sprains and strains in muscles and ligaments, leaving victims in pain for weeks or months.
  • Loss of Limb: In particularly severe cases, victims may lose limbs due to crushing injuries or the need for surgical amputation after the accident.

A railroad accident attorney near me in San Antonio can help ensure victims receive compensation for their mental health struggles as well.

Laws Protecting Railroad Workers

Various laws protect railroad workers, including the Labor Standards Act and OSHA regulations. These laws ensure that workers have the right to work in a safe environment.

When railroad workers are injured on the job, they can seek compensation through legal channels. A railroad injury lawyer in San Antonio can assist workers with these claims, ensuring they get the compensation they’re entitled to under the law.

Damages Available to Train Accident Victims

Victims of train accidents are often entitled to recover damages for their physical, emotional, and financial burdens. These damages may include:

  • Medical Expenses: These costs can add up quickly, especially if serious injuries require ongoing treatment. Victims shouldn’t have to worry about paying these bills when someone else’s negligence caused their injuries.
  • Lost Wages: If the accident causes you to miss work, you can seek compensation for your lost income while recovering. This ensures you don’t fall behind on bills or struggle financially while focusing on healing. You deserve compensation for the time you couldn’t work because of someone else’s actions.
  • Pain and Suffering: Victims may be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This is more than just medical bills—it’s about recognizing the accident’s impact on your life. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing pain or anxiety, you deserve to be acknowledged and compensated for those struggles.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where negligence or recklessness contributed to the accident, victims may be awarded punitive damages to punish the responsible parties. These damages signal that careless behavior won’t be tolerated and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
  • Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you could recover compensation for repairs or replacement. Whether it’s your vehicle, phone, or something else, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket to fix or replace items destroyed in the accident.
  • Funeral Expenses: In fatal accidents, families can seek compensation to cover the costs of funeral and burial services. Losing a loved one is hard enough without having to worry about how to afford these expenses. This compensation helps families focus on grieving instead of financial strain.

Proving Negligence in a Train Accident Case

To win a railroad accident case, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused the accident. There are several ways to do this:

Warning Signs

You may be able to show that the railroad operator didn’t follow proper warning signals or that those signals malfunctioned, leading to the accident.

Failure to Take Action:

If the railroad operator or company didn’t take the necessary steps to prevent the accident, they may be found negligent.

Documenting the Damage:

Collecting evidence, such as photos, videos, and witness statements, can help prove negligence and build a strong case with your railroad injury lawyer in San Antonio.

Why You Need an Experienced Train Accident Lawyer

Train accident cases can be complicated due to the many laws and regulations involved. Here’s why you need a lawyer to help you:

Understanding Complex Laws

Train accidents involve complicated laws, and having a lawyer who understands these regulations is crucial to building a strong case.

Investigating the Accident

A top-rated San Antonio railroad accident lawyer will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and consult experts to determine what caused it.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than the victim deserves. A lawyer can handle negotiations to ensure you get your entitled compensation.

Court Representation

If your case goes to court, a no-win, no-fee railroad accident lawyer in San Antonio will represent you and fight for a fair outcome.

Contact Our San Antonio Railroad Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been involved in a railroad accident in San Antonio, don’t wait to take action. Contact Patterson Law Group today for a free consultation. Our team will review your case, discuss your legal options, and help you start the process of getting the compensation you deserve.

Time is essential when protecting your legal rights, so reach out to a San Antonio railroad accident lawyer today to begin your journey toward justice.

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