Train Derailment Lawyer
Strategic Advocacy to Help Train Derailment Victims Recover Full, Fair Compensation
Train derailments are often mass casualty events, leaving behind several victims, extensive damage, and complex questions about what could have been done to prevent these tragedies.
Although train derailments have declined roughly 20% since 2019, too many of these deadly accidents still occur in Louisiana, Texas, and across the nation. In fact, on average, there have been at least two train derailments every day in the U.S. in 2022 (source: FRA).
Whether you’re on or near a train when it derails, there are good chances that negligence was involved — and you may have the right to sue, hold the at-fault parties accountable, and seek financial recovery for the harm you’ve suffered.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, our train derailment attorneys are driven to help folks just like you pick up the pieces and fight for justice when it matters most. With more than two decades of experience, we have what it takes to go up against the toughest opponents, inside and outside the courtroom, and win.
That’s why you can trust us to help you file a railroad derailment claim and set it up for success when there’s only one chance to get justice — and it’s why we’re known as top train derailment lawyers in Louisiana and Texas.
Simply contact Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers for confidential advice and case-specific answers. We are here for you, ready to help 24/7.
Call 888-492-5532 or Email Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation 24/7.
Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers has an unparalleled record of success in all types of train accident and railroad derailment cases. We are ready to make your claim and recovery our next victory.
Click on a link below to jump directly to any section and get more information about train derailments, their causes, the available legal remedies, and more.
- What Causes Most Train Derailments?
- Train Derailments, Railway Accidents & Death Statistics
- Who Is Liable for Train Derailments in Louisiana & Texas?
- When Should I Contact a Train Derailment Lawyer?
What Causes Most Train Derailments?
Like traffic crashes and commercial vehicle wrecks, train accidents and derailments are primarily caused by negligence and, in particular, human errors. Those oversights and mistakes can come at the hands of railroad workers, the motoring public, and others.
No matter who is responsible for the carelessness that causes train derailments, the negligent actions behind these accidents can include (and are not limited to):
- Speeding
- Improper braking
- Overloading trains
- Failing to release handbrakes
- Mishandling train engines
- Failing to stop at train crossings (when required to)
- Incorrectly operating train signals
- Motorists or others proceeding onto train tracks despite warnings of an oncoming train
These errors are more likely to happen and cause train derailments when factors like (but not limited to) the following are involved:
- Railway workers are not properly or sufficiently trained.
- Workers are distracted, failing to take essential safety precautions in a timely manner.
- Workers are exhausted, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired.
- The train and/or tracks are not adequately maintained.
- The tracks or train equipment are defective or inherently flawed.
- The guard bars or warning lights at the railway crossings do not activate to warn motorists of an oncoming train.
With the causes of train derailments, it’s essential to keep in mind that:
- In-depth investigations are typically needed to identify the causes of railroad derailments. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the causes of train derailments to remain unknown until an investigation occurs.
- Regulators and other authorities are often involved in train derailment investigations.
- Multiple parties can be at fault for causing a train derailment.
- A train derailment attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers can help you investigate these accidents and determine what your best options are for seeking justice.
Train Derailments, Railway Accidents & Death Statistics
The latest statistics on train derailments in Louisiana, Texas, and across the U.S. are grim, revealing just how often these horrific accidents hurt and kill people (source: FRA).
- Human errors are a leading cause of train accidents and derailments. In 2021, human oversights contributed to more train accidents and derailments than track defects and equipment problems combined.
- Train derailments are far more common than train collisions with other vehicles or objects. In fact, train derailments occur at least 11 times more often than train collisions.
- Although derailments have dropped roughly 20% since 2019, deaths caused by train accidents have been on the rise, increasing more than 133% over the same period.
- In Louisiana, both deadly and nonfatal train derailments have declined since 2019. Specifically, while deadly derailments have dropped by about 13% since 2019, nonfatal train accidents and derailments have declined by just over 8% over the same period.
- In Texas, fatal train derailments have increased by about 11% since 2019 while nonfatal train accidents have dropped by nearly 26%.
- Overall, Louisiana ranks 12th for most train accidents and derailments in the U.S. while Texas ranks 5th.
As eye-opening as these facts may be, they do not help the survivors of train derailments recover, exercise their rights, or file claims for the compensation they deserve.
What can help with that are the experienced train derailment lawyers at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We are ready to explain your options and how we can help in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.
Who Is Liable for Train Derailments in Louisiana & Texas?
Liability for a train derailment depends on what caused the accident. That’s one reason why it’s so important to investigate these incidents. In fact, depending on what an investigation uncovers, some of the parties that may be responsible for train derailments can include:
- Railroad companies
- Shippers
- Third-party contractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Others
When Should I Contact a Train Derailment Lawyer?
Talk to a train derailment attorney ASAP IF:
- You or someone you love has been hurt in a train derailment.
- An insurance company is contacting you about a recent train derailment.
- You recently lost a loved one to fatal injuries caused by a train derailment.
- You are ready to learn more about your rights and legal options.
Whether you’re a train employee, an injured passenger, or anyone else harmed in a train derailment, the team at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers can help you determine your best options for asserting your rights and recovering.
Talk to a 5-Star Train Derailment Lawyer for Help 24/7
Now’s the best time to contact a train derailment attorney if you or someone you love has been hurt and you need to know more about your rights, a potential claim, and how to recover.
The truth is that you don’t have a lot of time to pursue justice — and the liable parties could already be working on a viable defense to try to avoid paying you the compensation you may deserve.
Make sure that your rights and interests are protected and that you bring the strongest possible claim with Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers in your corner.
Fierce, focused, and devoted to providing the advocacy we would expect in your shoes, our train derailment attorneys will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes, no matter how straightforward or complex your case may be. And we provide compassionate, client-focused service at every stage of the process.
Discover the difference our team can make in your claim and recovery by contacting us today.
Call 888-492-5532 or Email Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation. Your path to justice can start with a call or an email.