Train Accidents: What to Know, How They Happen, and Legal Options for Victims

Train accidents, while less common than car crashes, can have devastating consequences. 

Train accidents come in various forms, from derailments and collisions to pedestrian-related incidents. The impact of these accidents can be catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries, loss of life, and significant property damage.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a train accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Morgan & Morgan stands by personal injury victims when someone else’s negligence turns their lives upside down. 

Common Types of Train Accidents

Trains have a lot of moving parts—and a lot of uses—which is why there are so many things that can go wrong if safety protocols aren’t adequately met. These types of train accidents can include:

• Derailments: Occur when a train goes off the tracks due to mechanical failure, track defects, excessive speed, or obstructions on the rails.
• Collisions with Vehicles: Happen at railway crossings when a train collides with a car, truck, or bus, often due to malfunctioning signals or driver negligence.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Involve individuals walking along or crossing railroad tracks, sometimes due to lack of proper barriers or warning signals.
• Train-to-Train Collisions: Result from signal malfunctions, miscommunications between conductors, or human error.
• Hazardous Material Spills: Freight trains carrying chemicals or dangerous materials may pose an environmental and public safety threat if derailed.

How Do Train Accidents Happen?

Several factors contribute to train accidents, ranging from human error to defective equipment. The most common causes can include:

• Human Error: Conductors, engineers, and railway employees may make mistakes due to fatigue, distraction, or lack of proper training.
• Defective Tracks and Infrastructure: Poorly maintained tracks, broken rails, and outdated signaling systems increase the risk of derailments and collisions.
• Mechanical Failures: Defective train components, such as brakes, wheels, or coupling systems, can lead to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Extreme weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can make tracks slippery and reduce train stability.
• Obstructions on Tracks: Debris, stalled vehicles, or fallen trees can interfere with train operations and lead to crashes.
• Negligence of Drivers and Pedestrians: Motorists failing to obey crossing signals or pedestrians trespassing on train tracks contribute to many accidents.

By the Numbers: Train Accident Statistics to Know

Are train accidents rare? What is the risk factor of taking trains? Does living near train stations or tracks put you and your family at risk?

Studies and stats can shed light on the risk and frequency of train accidents. Below are some insights to know.

Overall Train Accident Statistics

In 2023, the United States recorded approximately 995 rail fatalities and around 6,700 non-fatal injuries. These numbers had decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 but saw a resurgence in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Derailments

Derailments are a significant concern within train accidents. Over the past decade, an average of 1,300 trains derailed each year, accounting for 61% of all train accidents. As of October 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recorded 742 train derailments for that year.

Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Incidents

Highway-rail grade crossings are critical points of interaction between railways and roadways, often becoming sites of severe accidents. In 2024, there were 2,045 highway-rail grade crossing collisions, resulting in 252 fatalities and 653 injuries across the U.S. Notably, approximately 87% of these collisions occurred in a limited number of states, highlighting regional disparities in crossing safety.

Trends Over Time

Long-term trends indicate a decline in certain types of train accidents. For instance, derailment rates have decreased by 30% since 2000. Additionally, the hazardous materials (hazmat) accident rate per carload is at its lowest ever, down 75% since 2000, based on preliminary data.

Who Is at Fault for a Train Accident?

Determining liability in a train accident is important for victims seeking compensation. Several parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances.

Potentially Liable Parties

• Railroad Companies: If negligence in maintenance, employee training, or safety protocols contributed to the accident, the railroad company may be held liable.
• Train Operators and Engineers: Conductors and engineers who fail to follow safety regulations or operate trains negligently may bear responsibility.
• Government Agencies: Public entities responsible for maintaining railroad infrastructure, crossings, and signals can be liable if their negligence played a role.
• Manufacturers of Train Equipment: Defective train parts or faulty safety mechanisms can lead to accidents, making manufacturers liable.
• Vehicle Drivers and Pedestrians: If a car driver or pedestrian unlawfully obstructs a train’s path, they may be found at fault.
• Maintenance Contractors: Companies responsible for maintaining tracks, crossings, or train equipment can be liable if poor maintenance contributed to the crash.

Legal Options for Train Accident Victims

Victims of train accidents have legal rights and options for seeking compensation. Consulting an experienced train accident attorney is essential for navigating the complexities of these cases.

Steps to Take After a Train Accident

• Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical evaluation ensures proper treatment and documentation of injuries.
• Report the Incident: Filing a report with law enforcement and the appropriate railway authority creates an official record.
• Gather Evidence: Collect photographs, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.
• Contact Morgan & Morgan: A legal expert can help determine liability, assess damages, and file a claim.

Compensation Available for Victims

Victims of train accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost due to injury-related work absences.
• Pain and Suffering: Accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for vehicles or other damaged property.
• Wrongful Death Claims: Provides compensation to families of victims who lost their lives in train accidents.

Filing a Lawsuit

Victims may pursue legal action against negligent parties through a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one was killed. Given the complexity of train accident cases, working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference to get a successful claim.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Morgan & Morgan is committed to fighting for train accident victims and their families. With decades of experience and a team of dedicated attorneys, we have helped clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. Our team is ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

Train accidents can have life-altering consequences, but victims don’t have to face them alone. By understanding the causes, legal options, and safety measures, individuals can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and seek justice. Morgan & Morgan is here to help every step of the way.