Legal Help After a Railroad Accident

Lake Charles Railroad Crossing Accident Attorney

Many people think the only way a train-car collision could occur is if the car driver is negligent, but that simply is not true. Sometimes railroad crossings are substandard or in disrepair. Sometimes crossings are not secured by crossbars. The vision of approaching vehicles may be obscured. The fault could rest with the train engineer, or the railroad company.

At the Lake Charles, Louisiana law office of Broussard & Hart, L.L.C our personal injury lawyers and staff help injured people and families who have experienced the death of a loved one.

We work to see that our clients receive the compensation they need and deserve after a railroad accident. Contact an attorney at Broussard & Hart, L.L.C to schedule a free initial consultation.

Train Crossing Accidents

The railroad company is responsible for providing appropriate railroad crossing protection. Railroads typically install and maintain the protective devices, so they can be found liable when a railroad crossing accident is caused by malfunctioning, improperly installed, or poorly maintained crossing guards.

Why are so few grade crossings protected by lights and gates? The cost of installing and operating a set of flashing lights and crossing gates can run over $150,000, and that does not include the annual cost of maintenance. By comparison, a crossbuck can be installed for around $1,000, with very little maintenance.

But cost should never be the deciding factor where the public's safety is concerned?

Railroads have a duty to provide due and timely warning to the general public when trains approach a crossing. By federal law, all trains must be equipped with (and have on) headlights of a specified brightness and horns that produce a warning sound which meets a minimum loudness standard. State law also specifies that a horn must be sounded when approaching a crossing.

If I'm injured as a passenger on a train, is the train liable? If a personal injury occurs due to the railroad company's failure to comply with safety laws, the company is liable. A common carrier, such as a railroad company, is required to use the highest degree of care, diligence, and vigilance when transporting passengers. It also has a duty to warn passengers of dangers that are known to the carrier.

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, contact Broussard & Hart or call us at 337-513-0288 or toll free at 888-391-5595. Your initial consultation is free of charge.

If we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if we recover money for you. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.