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The Devastating Wake of Truck and Train Accidents

The Devastating Wake of Truck and Train Accidents

The Devastating Wake of Truck and Train Accidents 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

Q: Who is responsible for injuries caused in a train or truck accident?

One in eight traffic fatalities in the United States involves big rigs. In 2015, there were 34,000 truck accidents in Texas alone. Not surprisingly, the occupants of passenger vehicles that crash with these behemoths often end up dead or survive with catastrophic injuries.

Because of this reality, trucking companies and truck drivers are subject to special state and federal safety rules including but not limited to regulations involving training, vehicle inspections, and restrictions on the number of hours drivers can drive each day. While there are many reasons truck accidents may be caused by the truck driver, distracted driving and driver fatigue are common ones.

The size and weight of semi-trucks are unmatched by nearly all moving vehicles they encounter in their travels – – except perhaps a train.

Train accidents also leave devastation in their wake for similar reasons. And they occur every two hours in the United States.

Recently, Amtrak reportedly had two separate train accidents– just hours apart on the same day – – one in Washington and the other in Texas. In the Texas accident a semi-truck reportedly failed to clear a train crossing and was struck by the train. In the Washington accident, a train allegedly on its inaugural run derailed, sending some cars plummeting onto the interstate below, reportedly killing at least three and injuring several others as 77 people were reportedly taken to the hospital—including passengers as well as motorists driving on the interstate below when the derailment happened. An investigation continues into the speed and working conditions of the new train and the conditions of the recently upgraded tracks.

A personal injury lawsuit may be commenced when a victim suffers serious injuries as a result of the negligent, willful, or reckless actions of another person or entity. Compensatory damages might include current and future medical expenses, current and future lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

If the victim dies as a result of their injuries, their closest surviving relatives may be entitled to damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. In addition to recovering the victim’s final medical and funeral expenses, compensatory damages may include loss of financial support, loss of consortium, loss of services, loss of prospective inheritance, and more depending on each case’s particular circumstances.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has been killed, in any kind of accident as a result of the actions or inactions of someone else, the Law Firm of Chandler, Mathis & Zivley can help you obtain the maximum financial compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

From our offices in Lufkin and Houston, we’ve been serving Texans and those injured while visiting Texas for over 40 years.