Railroad Accident Lawyer

Railroad accidents can cause devastating injuries, financial hardships, and emotional trauma for victims and their families. Whether the accident involves a train derailment, railway crossing collision, hazardous cargo spill, or worker injury, the legal complexities of railroad law require experienced legal representation.

At Breit Biniazan, our railroad accident lawyers have successfully handled cases involving passenger injuries, wrongful death claims, and railroad worker injuries under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). We work with industry experts and accident investigators to determine the cause of the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a railroad accident, our legal team is prepared to fight for full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What is a Railroad Accident Lawyer?

A railroad accident lawyer specializes in legal claims related to train crashes, derailments, railroad worker injuries, and railway safety violations. These cases often require knowledge of federal railroad laws, safety regulations, and liability protections for workers and passengers.

Common railroad accident cases include:

• Passenger train accidents, including derailments, collisions, and onboard injuries
• Railroad crossing accidents, where vehicles or pedestrians are struck by trains
• Freight train accidents, including hazardous material spills and cargo derailments
• Railroad worker injuries, covered under FELA instead of standard workers’ compensation
• Defective train equipment cases, where faulty components cause crashes or malfunctions
• Track and signal failures, leading to train collisions or derailments

Victims of railroad accidents often face catastrophic injuries or wrongful death claims, requiring aggressive legal action to secure compensation from negligent parties.

Types of Railroad Accidents We Handle

Passenger Train Accidents

Passenger train crashes can result from derailments, operator error, track malfunctions, or train-on-train collisions. Victims of these accidents may suffer severe injuries or wrongful death, and they have the right to seek compensation.

Railroad Crossing Accidents

Many train accidents occur at railway crossings where vehicles or pedestrians are struck by oncoming trains. These accidents are often caused by malfunctioning signals, lack of proper signage, or obstructed views. Railroad companies have a duty to maintain safe crossings, and failures in this regard can lead to legal claims.

Freight Train Accidents

Freight trains transport hazardous materials, and accidents involving derailments, chemical spills, or fires can cause widespread damage. Victims of these accidents may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damage, and environmental contamination.

Railroad Worker Injuries (FELA Claims)

Unlike other workers who rely on standard workers’ compensation, railroad workers are covered under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). This means that injured railroad employees must prove employer negligence to receive compensation. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling FELA cases, ensuring that injured railroad workers receive the benefits they deserve.

Defective Train Equipment and Infrastructure Failures

Train accidents can result from faulty brakes, broken rails, defective signals, or poorly maintained tracks. When equipment failures cause injuries, the railroad company, train manufacturer, or maintenance provider may be held liable.

Pedestrian and Trespasser Accidents

Pedestrian fatalities at train tracks often involve trespassers or individuals caught on railways. While some cases involve clear negligence by the railroad company, others require careful legal analysis to determine liability.

Common Causes of Railroad Accidents and Liable Parties

Train accidents often result from a combination of human error, mechanical failures, and regulatory violations. Common causes include:

Human Error and Negligence

• Train operator fatigue or distraction
• Speeding or failure to brake in time
• Miscommunication between rail employees

Mechanical Failures and Equipment Defects

• Brake malfunctions leading to derailments
• Signal and switch failures causing collisions
• Defective rails, leading to sudden track collapse

Railroad Crossing Issues

• Malfunctioning or missing crossing gates
• Obstructed sightlines making crossings unsafe
• Inadequate warning signs for drivers and pedestrians

Weather-Related Hazards

• Icy tracks affecting braking ability
• Heavy rain or flooding causing rail erosion
• Strong winds increasing derailment risk

Depending on the case, the liable party may be:

• The railroad company, for failing to maintain safe conditions
• Train operators, if human error contributed to the accident
• Equipment manufacturers, if defective train parts caused the crash
• Government entities, for failing to maintain railway crossings or enforce safety regulations

Our railroad accident lawyers conduct detailed investigations to determine liability and build strong claims for victims.

Railroad Accident Investigations and Legal Challenges

Railroad accident investigations involve multiple agencies, such as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). These agencies conduct in-depth analyses of black box recordings, maintenance logs, and operator records.

Legal challenges in railroad accident cases include:

• Complex liability disputes, especially when multiple companies are involved
• Federal regulations governing train safety and maintenance standards
• Railroad company resistance to injury claims, particularly for workers covered under FELA

Our legal team works with rail safety experts and accident reconstruction specialists to build compelling cases for our clients.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Railroad Accident Victims

Railroad accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity for those unable to return to work
• Pain and suffering, addressing both physical and emotional trauma
• Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of financial support for families
• Property damage for vehicles or personal belongings destroyed in the accident
• Punitive damages, in cases where gross negligence contributed to the crash

At Breit Biniazan, we aggressively pursue maximum compensation for our clients to ensure they receive the financial support they need.

Why Choose Breit Biniazan as Your Railroad Accident Lawyer?

• Proven track record in railroad accident and injury claims
• Experience handling FELA claims for railroad workers
• Collaboration with railroad safety experts to strengthen legal cases
• Aggressive representation against large railroad corporations and insurers
• No upfront legal fees – we only get paid if we win

Contact Breit Biniazan Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a train or railroad accident, taking immediate legal action is critical. Railroad injury claims have strict filing deadlines, and early legal intervention can significantly impact your case.

Contact a train accident attorney at Breit Biniazan today for a consultation. Our experienced railroad accident lawyers will review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a railroad company for injuries sustained in a train accident?

Yes, if the railroad company’s negligence contributed to the accident, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. This applies to both passengers and workers covered under FELA.

Who is liable for railroad crossing accidents?

Liability may fall on the railroad company, local municipalities, or third-party maintenance providers if they failed to maintain safe crossings.

How long do I have to file a railroad accident claim?

The statute of limitations varies by case type, but it is essential to take legal action as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

If you need legal assistance, our train accident lawyers at Breit Biniazan is here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.