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RAILROAD INJURY LAWYER : TRAIN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Railroads play a crucial role in the transportation infrastructure of the United States, moving both passengers and freight across vast distances and within metropolitan areas. Light rail systems are particularly vital in cities, providing an essential service for commuters. However, the operation of these trains is not without risk. Train accidents, ranging from derailments to collisions at crossings, occur with alarming frequency. According to the Federal Highway Administration, a train accident happens once every two hours in the U.S., leading to significant injuries and fatalities.

For those who have been injured in such incidents, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a collision with a vehicle, a derailment, or a tragic encounter with a pedestrian, the consequences of a train accident are often severe and life-altering. If you or a loved one has been affected by a train accident, seeking the guidance of a knowledgeable railroad accident attorney is imperative.

An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure that your rights are protected.



The Gordon & Elias, LLC railroad accident attorneys handle a wide range of cases related to accidents involving railroads, including both personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our clients can include railroad employees, passengers, bystanders, or even drivers at a railroad crossing. Our attorneys focus on cases involving any accidents related to railroads, which could arise from factors such as defective equipment, negligent maintenance, or unsafe operations. Depending on who was injured and where the accident occurred, our cases can be filed under various legal frameworks. Unlike a FELA lawyer, who works specifically under the FELA law for railroad workers, a Railroad Accident attorney may handle cases under state personal injury laws, wrongful death statutes, or other applicable federal regulations, but not necessarily FELA.

Our law firm, Gordon & Elias, LLC, handle both types of cases: FELA accident cases specifically for railroad workers and railroad / train accidents involving a broader clientele.

Take advantage of the free case review by an experienced railroad accident attorney at Gordon & Elias LLP to learn what options are available to help you win a monetary recovery for maritime explosion injuries. We have extensive experience handling a variety of railroad accident cases throughout the US. We will give you the attention you deserve. Call for an appointment today. We have an office in Houston, as well as a Rio Grande Valley office in Edinburg, Texas.

The common underlying causes of train accidents are insufficient protections for drivers and pedestrians, equipment failure, and operator error.

Crashes involving railroad lines have been attributed to pedestrians walking too close to the tracks or drivers making illegal turns and running red lights to cross the tracks. Lack of clear signs and signals have contributed to the problem.

Proper warnings and barriers are essential to the safety of drivers and pedestrians at train crossings. Leaving the decision to cross to a driver or pedestrian’s perception is to risk a serious crash, because trains appear to be further away than they actually are, often leading to misjudgment of the amount of time required to cross the tracks.

In addition, malfunctioning equipment is at fault in many train accidents. These may be attributed to improper maintenance or a manufacturing or design defect. These are some examples:

• Broken rails that cause derailments
• Brake failure
• Failure of warning lights, sounds, and barrier gates
• Defective communication equipment
• Missing, broken, or defective handrails in rail cars
• Malfunctioning hand brakes

Negligence on the part of an engineer, conductor, or other railroad employee can lead to serious accidents with devastating consequences. Such negligence can manifest in various forms, including speeding, improperly switching tracks, failing to apply brakes in a timely manner, or allowing debris to obstruct the track. These errors can result in collisions, derailments, and other catastrophic incidents that endanger both the lives of passengers and the safety of those near the tracks. The underlying causes of these errors often include factors such as operator distraction, fatigue, and impairment.

• Operator Distraction: One of the most common causes of employee error is distraction. This can occur when an operator is preoccupied with personal activities, such as using a cell phone, texting, or engaging in unnecessary conversations with colleagues while on duty. Such distractions significantly reduce the operator's ability to react promptly to changes in the environment or to critical situations that require immediate attention. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), distracted driving, including by rail operators, is a leading cause of transportation accidents, highlighting the critical need for stringent regulations and enforcement to minimize this risk .
  
  
• Fatigue: Another prevalent issue among railroad employees is fatigue. Long working hours, irregular schedules, and the demanding nature of railroad jobs contribute to significant levels of fatigue among workers. Fatigue impairs cognitive function, reduces attention, and slows reaction times, all of which are essential for safely operating a train.
  
  Studies by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have shown that fatigue is a contributing factor in many railroad accidents, emphasizing the importance of adequate rest periods and the implementation of fatigue management programs within the industry .
  
  
• Impairment by Alcohol or Drugs: Impairment due to alcohol or drug use is another serious factor that can lead to operator error. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce the ability to operate complex machinery safely. The FRA enforces strict regulations against substance use among railroad employees, requiring regular testing and severe penalties for violations. Despite these measures, incidents of impairment continue to occur, posing a significant risk to railroad safety.



These factors highlight the critical need for comprehensive safety programs, strict enforcement of regulations, and continuous training for railroad employees to prevent accidents caused by negligence. Railroad companies must prioritize safety by implementing robust systems to monitor and address these risks, ensuring that their employees are fit, focused, and fully capable of performing their duties safely. Failure to do so not only endangers lives but also exposes the company to significant legal liabilities under laws such as the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) .

When faced with the devastating impact of a train accident, whether as an injured victim or as the family of someone who has tragically lost their life, it's crucial to have expert legal representation on your side. The Houston-based attorneys at Gordon & Elias LLP bring decades of experience to the table, specializing in cases involving railroad injuries and wrongful death. With a track record of securing millions in recoveries for their clients, they have the skills and dedication needed to fight for justice in even the most challenging cases.



Time is of the essence in these situations, as the law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. If you or a loved one has suffered due to railroad negligence, don't hesitate to contact Gordon & Elias LLP for a free consultation. You won’t pay any fees unless they win your case, providing you with the peace of mind that your case is being handled by professionals committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.

We have a reputation of bringing respect, professionalism and a personal touch to every injury claim we accept.

Every state limits the amount of time you have to file a claim.

Don't Delay.

Contact the Attorneys at Gordon & Elias, LLP Today to preserve your right to a recovery.

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