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Railroad or Train-Related Accidents

Close-up of a derailed train on its side, showing large metal wheels and mechanisms. The tracks are visible, surrounded by greenery and a cloudy sky.

Trains are often safe and have some of the lowest injury and death rates compared to other forms of transportation. However, when they do happen, train crashes and collisions can cause incredible destruction. Train accidents include more than just collisions between trains – they also encompass train-on-car accidents and passenger accidents, like falls and cargo accidents.
If you have injuries from a train collision or train accident, contact the office of Derek L. Hall, PC today. Train accidents are a serious matter and deserve a serious legal response. We can help you file a claim against liable entities to recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost work income, pain, emotional distress, and more.
Contact our offices online or call today for a case consultation with a Mississippi railroad accident lawyer.

Common Causes of Railroad and Train Accidents

Trains and railways are incredibly complex systems, so even minor issues can ultimately culminate in significant accidents. Below are some of the most common causes of train accidents in Mississippi:

Operator Mistakes – Train conductors can make mistakes that cause accidents, like going too fast or failing to listen to dispatch teams.

Mechanical Issues – Trains can also be involved in accidents due to mechanical failures caused by defective parts or negligent maintenance.

Defective Tracks – Defective sections of railway tracks can cause trains to derail and crash into nearby surroundings.

Unsafe Crossings – Some railroad crossings have inherently unsafe designs that put motorists and pedestrians at an unnecessary level of risk.

Cargo/Luggage Issues – Unsecured cargo on freight trains and loose luggage on passenger trains can fall and cause injuries.

Types of Train and Railroad Accidents and Injuries

A train accident can include any type of accident on freight, passenger, and commuter railroads, so the term covers a range of events. The most common ones are:

Train-on-Train Collisions – Train-on-train collisions are typically a result of miscommunication when one conductor erroneously takes a train down an occupied track. Depending on the speeds involved, train-on-train collisions can cause extreme damage and injuries to all involved parties.

Crossing Accidents – Crossing accidents occur when trains strike an obstruction at an unsafe railroad crossing. The most obvious example of a crossing accident is a car stalling and getting stuck on the tracks, and the conductor failing to utilize the emergency brake in time.

Derailments – Derailments occur when a mechanical issue or operator error causes the train to leave the tracks and crash into the surroundings. Derailments are particularly deadly for trains moving at high speeds.

Passenger Accidents – Passengers and employees can also sustain injuries while on board trains. For instance, rapid accelerations can cause train occupants to collide with the interior of the train cabin. Passengers can also sustain falling injuries on the train platform.

Toxic Exposure – Trains carrying hazardous materials can cause toxic exposure if the contents leak into the environment after a crash. Exposure can cause acute injuries and long-term illness.

Train accidents are relatively rare but can be particularly destructive when they do happen. The typical freight train can weigh hundreds of tons, so even minor collisions and derailments carry an incredible amount of force and momentum. Injuries can include:

Bruising and sprains

Neck injuries and whiplash

Broken bones

Cuts and lacerations

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

Spinal cord damage

Crushing injuries and amputations

Burns and chemical exposure

Severe injuries from a train accident can cause permanent damage, resulting in disability and a lifetime of expensive medical treatment.

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Who Investigates Train and Railroad Accidents?

While the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for promoting and regulating the safety and efficiency of the U.S. rail system, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is in charge of investigating most major train accidents occurring on intercity and interstate lines, including high-speed rail, freight trains, and Amtrak. When the NTSB investigates an accident, it compiles a preliminary and final report to assess its probable cause.

Federal law prohibits you from using these reports as evidence in civil litigation. However, your attorney can use factual claims and photos from these reports as the basis of their investigation. These facts can help determine whether rail companies or employees violated safety regulations or failed to reasonably operate and maintain their trains.

Train derailed on rocky tracks under a clear blue sky. Two carriages tilted, with one partially off the rails. Grassy area and power lines nearby.

A derailed train with several freight cars overturned on rocky tracks. The metal appears bent and damaged, surrounded by dry grass under a clear sky.

Who Is Liable for Injuries in a Train Accident?

Several parties can be held liable for railroad injuries, including operators, train companies, and manufacturers responsible for train or track defects.

Most obviously, railway operators can be liable for negligence if they don’t safely operate their trains. Conductors and crews must obey strict rules when operating trains and follow hours of service regulations limiting the length of shifts.

Train companies can be liable if their negligent business practices contribute to accidents, such as hiring unqualified operators, failing to provide proper training, or falling behind on train maintenance. Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), railroad employees who sustain injuries on the job can sue their employers for negligence rather than just relying on workers’ compensation.

Locomotive manufacturers or train parts distributors can be liable if the accident was caused by defective machinery or equipment, such as wheels, axles, or coupling mechanisms. The initial stages of a train accident claim will involve an investigation to identify all liable parties and potential sources of financial compensation.

Why Choose Derek L. Hall, P.C. for Your Railroad or Train Accident Case?

You have three years from the injury date to file a train accident claim in Mississippi. That might sound like a lot of time, but it can take months or even over a year to build a strong case. Additionally, train accident claims might involve litigation against government entities, which have special rules and procedures to follow.

With over 50 years of collective experience in personal injury law, attorneys Derek Hall and Jeanine Carafello have recovered millions of dollars for accident victims in Mississippi. We understand how train accident claims intersect with federal regulations and can pursue claims against both private and public rail operators. When dealing with a serious injury, you need an attorney who won’t compromise on your interests and well-being. A train accident might derail your life, but the attorneys from Derek L. Hall, P.C. can help you get things back on track.

Contact our offices online or call today to speak with a train accident attorney in Mississippi about your legal options. Consultations are free, and we don’t charge a fee unless we win compensation for you.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create and receipt or viewing does not constitute a client relationship.