When a Train Hits a Car, the Damage Is Devastating
Collisions between trains and passenger vehicles are among the most catastrophic crashes we see. A fully loaded freight train can weigh 12 million pounds or more. Even at moderate speeds, it can take a mile or longer to come to a complete stop. When a train strikes a car, the results are often life-altering.
At Braswell Murphy, we represent individuals and families whose lives have been shattered by
preventable railroad crossing accidents. If you or someone you love has been involved in a
train-versus-car collision, you need immediate answers—and experienced legal representation.
Why Do Train vs. Car Collisions Happen?
While railroad companies often blame drivers, many train collisions are caused—or worsened—by negligence beyond the driver’s control. Common causes include malfunctioning crossing gates or warning lights, inadequate visibility due to overgrown vegetation, improperly designed or maintained crossings, failure to sound the horn, excessive train speed, lack of proper signage, blocked sight lines, and distracted or fatigued train operators.
Railroad companies and operators have a legal duty to maintain crossings and operate trains safely. When they fail to do so, they must be held accountable.
Common Injuries in Train Collisions
Train collisions frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis,
amputations, severe orthopedic injuries, internal organ damage, burns, and wrongful death.
Medical bills alone can reach hundreds of thousands—or millions—of dollars. Add lost wages,
long-term care needs, and pain and suffering, and the financial burden becomes overwhelming.
Railroad Companies Fight These Cases Aggressively
Railroad cases are not like ordinary car wreck cases. Many involve federal regulations and powerful corporate defendants such as CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and Amtrak. These companies have rapid-response legal teams that begin investigating immediately after a crash. Evidence can disappear quickly. Critical data—like event recorder information, signal timing records, and maintenance logs—must be preserved. That is why contacting an experienced attorney immediately is crucial.
Compensation That May Be Available
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical
expenses (past and future), lost income and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent disability, property damage, and wrongful death damages.
Every case is different. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine liability and the full value of your claim.
Why Choose Braswell Murphy?
At Braswell Murphy, we focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases. We understand how to investigate complex accident scenes, work with railroad safety experts, secure and analyze event recorder data, navigate federal and state regulations, and take on large corporations and their insurers.
We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
What To Do After a Train Collision
Seek immediate medical attention. Do not give a recorded statement to a railroad representative or insurer without legal advice. Preserve any photos, videos, or witness information. Contact an
experienced train accident attorney as soon as possible.
Time matters in these cases.
Contact Braswell Murphy Today
If you were injured—or lost a loved one—in a train collision, contact Braswell Murphy for a free
consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your next steps.
Train accidents are devastating. You do not have to face the aftermath alone.
Call today. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.