Giving You The Resources To Recover

Ohio Railroad Accident Attorneys With Experience Handling Complex Cases

Trains are a vital part of Ohio’s infrastructure. In fact, our state has the fifth highest volume of railway traffic in the nation, according to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Columbus is a major hub for freight trains in central Ohio.

Cargo trains can be massive, measuring more than 5,000 feet long, with powerful locomotives packing up to 18,000 horsepower apiece. When train collisions or derailments happen, the results are often catastrophic.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, the attorneys of Colley Shroyer Abraham in Columbus are here to help. Our Ohio railroad accident attorneys have over 40 years of experience handling complex cases, including those involving train accidents and derailments. We are committed to providing personalized, empathetic service while pursuing positive outcomes for our clients.

How Train Accidents Happen

Train accidents have many causes:

The most common is a failure of safety features, such as the train crossing gates, train whistles or lights.
When collisions between cars and trains happen, the driver’s view of the train may be obscured by buildings or other impediments. These dangerous crossings become even more hazardous when the locomotive engineer fails to sound the horn upon approaching a crossing.
Other causes include mechanical failures that cause train derailment.
Sometimes, train engineers are negligent in operating the equipment, resulting in derailments or collisions.

A crucial step in getting you justice is conducting a thorough investigation of the factors that caused the accident. We will dig deep to get all the facts of your case out in the open. We are thorough in our preparation and diligent in preparing strong cases.

Car Collisions With Trains

In our daily travels, drivers take for granted the railroad crossings they pass. Drivers trust they will be able to pass them without incident and that the safety features of the train and the railroad crossing will function properly when needed.

Sadly, accidents still happen, resulting in serious injury or death. Our lawyers represent victims and surviving family members in these tragic cases. We have recovered millions on behalf of injury victims.

Case example – $1.8 million settlement: A high school senior was hit by a Conrail train in Hilliard. The track had lights but no gates. The crossing had site restrictions making it difficult to see a train. Our lawyers secured a million-plus dollar settlement.

Toxic Chemical Exposure From Train Derailments

Catastrophic train crashes involving hazardous cargo can trigger large-scale evacuations. Even if you weren’t directly involved in a train derailment, you may still end up suffering harm due to the environmental impacts of the accidents.

Our attorneys pursue train lawsuits on behalf of anyone impacted by a derailment. We can file class action claims when warranted to seek accountability and justice on behalf of all of those who were harmed.

Railroad Worker Injuries

If you work for the railroad and suffer an injury, you will need to make a FELA claim. Our attorneys represent injured railroad workers and their loved ones across Ohio. We can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our Approach To Train Accident Cases

At Colley Shroyer Abraham, we understand the complexities involved in railroad accident cases. Our attorneys bring over four decades of experience to every case we handle. We are known for our:

Extensive trial experience, particularly with large and complex cases
Commitment to client communication, providing regular case updates
Active involvement in the community and professional organizations
Empathetic, personalized service that maintains strong client relationships

We work tirelessly to pursue effective strategies to support your case, leveraging our knowledge and resources to address even the most challenging railroad accident claims.

FAQs On Train Accidents And Derailments

Here are some of the questions we get most from concerned individuals and clients about train accidents and derailments.

Are there any particular statutes in Ohio that could impact my legal case concerning a train accident?

In Ohio, several statutes and laws could impact a legal case involving a train accident. These include but are not limited to:

Section 4955.03: Limitation as to action for damages
Section 4955.10: Railroad crossings
Section 4955.22: Failure to construct or repair sidewalks-forfeiture
Section 4955.34: Failure to erect warning signs

Understanding these statutes is crucial for building a strong case. Our Ohio railroad accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of these laws and how they apply to your specific situation.

What types of compensation can I recover after a train accident injury in Ohio?

If you’ve been injured in a train accident in Ohio, the types of compensation you may be able to recover may include:

Medical bills
Property damage
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Scarring and disfigurement
Loss of earning capacity
Loss of life enjoyment
Wrongful death

The specific compensation you may be entitled to depends on the details of your case. Our experienced attorneys will work diligently to pursue all applicable forms of compensation to help you recover and move forward after your train accident injury.

What is the time frame for filing a lawsuit after a train accident in Ohio?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those stemming from train accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the train accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, but you should not wait that long to contact an experienced attorney. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence related to your claim.

What should I expect during the legal process of a train accident claim?

The process of pursuing a train accident claim in Ohio typically includes:

Investigations and evidence gathering
Determining what claims to file
Filing the claims
Negotiating favorable settlement
Going to court if negotiations fail

Throughout this process, our experienced Ohio railroad accident attorneys will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and working diligently to pursue a positive outcome for your case.

Can I still receive compensation if my loved one died in a train accident in Ohio?

In cases where a loved one succumbed to a train accident, the family may be able to claim compensation to cover various expenses and losses resulting from the wrongful death, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income and emotional suffering.

What immediate steps should you take if you’re involved in a train accident in Ohio?

If you’re involved in a train accident in Ohio, take these immediate steps:

Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries
Report the accident to local authorities and get a copy of the police report
Document the scene with photos and videos if possible
Gather contact information from witnesses
Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or railroad representatives
Contact an experienced Ohio railroad accident attorney as soon as possible

Taking these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your potential case.

How can an injured party establish the railroad company’s liability in an accident?

Proving fault in a railroad accident case often requires demonstrating negligence. This may involve showing that the railroad company:

Failed to maintain tracks, signals or equipment properly
Didn’t adequately train their employees
Violated federal or state safety regulations
Ignored known hazards at railroad crossings

An experienced Ohio railroad accident attorney can help gather and present the necessary evidence to build a strong case.

What types of evidence are crucial in demonstrating negligence in a railroad accident case?

To support a negligence claim against a railroad company, you may need:

Accident reports from police and the railroad company
Witness statements
Photographs and videos of the accident scene
Maintenance and inspection records for the train and tracks
Train event data recorder information
Medical records documenting injuries
Expert testimony on railroad safety standards and practices

Our attorneys have extensive experience in collecting and analyzing this type of evidence to support railroad injury claims.

What safety and maintenance responsibilities do railroad companies have under the law?

Railroad companies have numerous legal obligations, including:

Maintaining tracks, signals and equipment to federal standards
Ensuring proper training and supervision of employees
Implementing and following safety protocols
Conducting regular inspections of tracks and equipment
Properly marking and maintaining railroad crossings
Adhering to speed limits and other operational regulations

Understanding these obligations is crucial in determining liability in railroad accident cases. Failure to meet these obligations can be grounds for a negligence claim. Our Ohio railroad accident attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and can identify when a railroad company has fallen short of its legal duties.

Get In Touch With Our Team

If you or a loved one was injured in an Ohio train accident, you deserve advocates who will fight for you. Our team isn’t afraid to take on powerful railroad companies in pursuit of justice.

Learn more about how we can put our proven experience to work for you. Start with a free consultation: Call 614-678-5072 or contact us through our website. We don’t charge attorney fees unless we’re successful.