Tractor-Trailer Carrying Pallets of Boxes Struck by Train in Medina County
According to a KSAT News report, a tractor-trailer was struck by a train this morning.
Medina County police reported the accident happened at around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 5th, on the railroad tracks on County Road 5701 and FM 471. Medina County is just north of Natalia, near Pearson. The tractor-trailer appeared to have stalled on the tracks, and the damage to the vehicle was extensive. The driver managed to escape before the crash, and no injuries were reported. The intersection and the crossing were estimated to be closed for several hours while the tracks were cleared. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Texas has the most railroad mileage of any state, with 10,400 miles of track.
Common Injuries from Train Accidents in Texas
Yes, trains are still a thing. In fact, Texas has more railroad mileage than any other state, and many people in Texas still use train transportation.
While train accidents are less common than motor vehicle accidents, they still happen. In 2023, there were:
- 10,529 total railway accidents/incidents,
- 742 derailments,
- 6,683 injuries,
- and 995 fatalities.
Unfortunately, injuries from train accidents are usually severe and involve life-long impairments for the victim. Additionally, these accidents are almost always the result of human error, such as speeding, improper braking, and ignoring railway signals.
Common Injuries from Texas Train Accidents
Despite stringent safety standards, train operators and companies still make careless mistakes and fail to keep passengers safe. Train derailment and other resulting accidents can cause serious injuries, such as:
- Brain Injuries — TBI, concussions, and other injuries to the brain can result from a train accident, leaving the victim permanently disabled in some cases.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — including nerve damage, can affect the entire body and leave the victim to suffer paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Internal Injuries — Bruising and damage to the internal organs, requiring extensive surgery and rehab.
- Burn Injuries — Resulting in disfigurement and/or loss of function to one or more parts of the body.
- Fractured/Crushed Bones — Sometimes requiring amputation.
Can I Sue for a Train Injury in Texas?
If negligence from one or more parties caused your train injury, you could likely file a personal injury claim to recover compensation.
In some cases, strict liability applies in train accidents, and victims don’t need to prove negligence in these cases. However, if proving negligence is required for your case, an attorney can help you. Common acts of negligence in train accidents include things like:
- Speeding,
- Improper Braking,
- Distracted/Fatigued Operators,
- Improperly Trained Staff,
- Lack of Proper Maintenance,
- And Drug or Alcohol Influenced Operators.
Lawsuits are often filed against the individual employee and/or train company, but other parties may also be involved. Negligence will be difficult to prove and will be hotly disputed in most cases. Because of this, you should talk to a train injury attorney before you file your injury claim.
Injured in a Train Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you were left struggling with mounting medical bills or funeral costs after a Texas train accident, you’re not alone.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a train accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- TBI,
- Spinal Cord Injury,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Disfigurement,
- Disability,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our train accident attorneys today. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.
²Rail Accidents/Incident Report 2023
³TxDOT Rail and Transit Safety