Why Hire Us for Your Train Accident in Michigan?

Train accident cases require attorneys who can stand up to powerful railroad corporations and their teams of lawyers. Our proven track record in railroad injury cases demonstrates our ability to secure substantial compensation for victims while holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

• Proven Results Against Railroad Companies: Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for train accident victims across Michigan. We’ve successfully challenged major railroad corporations in court and at the negotiating table, forcing them to pay fair compensation for the harm they’ve caused. 
• Immediate Response: Time is critical in train accident cases, as important evidence can be lost or destroyed within hours of an incident. Our team responds quickly to preserve crash scenes, secure witness statements, and obtain crucial documentation before railroad companies can limit access. We work with accident reconstruction experts and investigators who can analyze the scene while physical evidence remains intact.
• Federal Railroad Law Experience: Railroad operations are governed by extensive federal regulations. Our Michigan train accident lawyers have extensive experience with FRA safety standards, FELA requirements, and railroad industry practices that can impact your case. This experience allows us to identify violations and build stronger arguments for liability than attorneys unfamiliar with railroad law.
• No Upfront Costs or Fees: We handle train accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured victims to pursue justice without worrying about legal expenses while they’re recovering. We advance all case costs, including expert witness fees and investigation expenses, so you have peace of mind during this difficult time.
• Comprehensive Investigation Resources: Train accident cases require thorough investigations involving multiple experts, technical analysis, and extensive documentation review. Our firm has established relationships with qualified accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, and medical experts who can bolster your case. We also have the financial resources to conduct in-depth investigations and take cases to trial when necessary.

Our “Ask the Genius” system ensures that your questions and concerns are addressed promptly throughout your case. We guarantee that someone from our legal team will contact you within five minutes of receiving your inquiry. 

Common Types of Train Accidents in Michigan

Michigan’s extensive railroad network sees various types of accidents that can result in serious injuries and fatalities. They include, but are not limited to, those highlighted below.

Vehicle-Train Collisions

Vehicle-train collisions represent the most frequent type of railroad accident in Michigan, often occurring at grade crossings where roads intersect with rail lines. These crashes typically happen when warning signals malfunction, visibility is poor, or drivers attempt to beat approaching trains at intersections. The force of impact in these collisions can be devastating, as trains can weigh thousands of tons and require longer distances to come to a complete stop.

Train Derailments

Derailments pose another serious threat to both passengers and nearby communities throughout Michigan. These incidents can result from track defects, mechanical failures, or human error on the part of railroad personnel. When train cars leave the tracks, they can strike buildings, vehicles, or pedestrians in the surrounding area, causing widespread damage and multiple injuries.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents occur when individuals are struck while walking along or crossing railroad tracks. Many of these incidents happen in urban areas where tracks run through populated neighborhoods or near recreational areas. Railroad companies have a duty to maintain proper fencing, warning signs, and other safety measures to protect pedestrians from harm.

Railroad Safety Regulations and Violations

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) establishes strict safety standards that all railroad companies operating in Michigan must follow. These regulations cover everything from track maintenance and signal systems to crew training and equipment inspections. When railroad companies fail to comply with these federal standards, they can be held liable for accidents and injuries that result from their violations.

Railroad workers are also protected under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which provides compensation rights for employees injured on the job. Unlike standard workers’ compensation claims, FELA cases require proof of railroad negligence but can result in significantly higher damage awards. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling FELA claims and know how to prove that railroad companies failed to provide safe working conditions.

It is important to note that track maintenance violations frequently contribute to train accidents across Michigan’s extensive rail network. Railroad companies must regularly inspect tracks, replace worn rails, and repair defective components to prevent derailments and other incidents. When they cut corners on maintenance to save money, innocent people can pay the price with their lives or well-being.

Investigating Train Accidents

Train accident investigations require immediate action to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. As we explained earlier, our legal team works with accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, and other experts to determine exactly what caused the incident. We obtain maintenance records, crew schedules, communication logs, and other documentation that can reveal negligence on the part of the railroad company.

Black Box Data

Black box data from locomotives provides valuable information about train speed, braking actions, and signal compliance in the moments leading up to an accident. This electronic evidence must be secured quickly, as railroad companies may attempt to limit access to this information. Our attorneys know how to obtain court orders to preserve and analyze this critical data.

Expert Witness Testimony

Witness testimony plays a vital role in building strong train accident cases, as eyewitnesses can provide important details about what they observed. We interview all available witnesses while their memories are fresh and document their statements thoroughly. Our team also works with medical experts to establish the full extent of our clients’ injuries and their long-term impact on quality of life.

Types of Injuries in Train Accidents

• Traumatic brain injuries are common in train accidents due to the violent impact forces involved in these collisions. Victims may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain damage that can affect cognitive function, memory, and personality. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, with some effects lasting a lifetime.
• Spinal cord injuries frequently occur when train accident victims are thrown from vehicles or struck by debris. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring ongoing medical care and major lifestyle modifications. The costs associated with spinal cord injuries can reach millions of dollars over a victim’s lifetime.
• Broken bones, internal injuries, and severe lacerations are also typical in train accidents due to the tremendous forces involved. Many victims require multiple surgeries, extended hospital stays, and months of physical therapy to recover from their injuries. Some may never fully regain their previous level of function or ability to work.

Determining Liability in Michigan Train Accidents

Railroad companies can be held liable for accidents caused by employee negligence, defective equipment, or failure to maintain safe conditions. These corporations have a duty to operate their trains safely and protect the public from harm. When they breach this duty through negligent actions or omissions, they must compensate those injured as a result.

Government entities may also bear responsibility for train accidents when poorly designed or poorly maintained grade crossings contribute to collisions. Municipalities and state transportation departments have obligations to ensure that railroad crossings are properly marked, lit, and designed for safe vehicle passage. Failure to meet these obligations can result in liability for resulting accidents.

Third parties, including maintenance contractors, equipment manufacturers, or signal system companies, may share fault for train accidents. Our attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure that our clients receive maximum compensation from all responsible parties. We don’t let anyone escape accountability when their negligence contributes to our clients’ injuries.

Compensation Available to Train Accident Victims

Train accident victims in Michigan may be entitled to various forms of financial recovery depending on what caused the crash and the severity of their injuries. These damages are intended to restore victims as closely as possible to their pre-accident condition and provide support for ongoing challenges they face. Our attorneys work diligently to identify and pursue all available forms of compensation to ensure our clients receive the maximum recovery allowed by law.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are a major component of train accident settlements. These damages include hospital bills, surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, and ongoing care requirements. Our attorneys work with medical experts to calculate the full extent of these costs over your lifetime, so you have access to the treatment and therapy you need.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Lost wages and diminished earning capacity frequently result from the severe injuries sustained in train accidents. Many victims can’t return to their previous jobs or must accept lower-paying positions due to their limitations. We calculate these economic losses carefully, considering factors such as career progression, benefits, and retirement contributions that are affected by the accident.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages compensate victims for the physical discomfort and emotional trauma they endure following train accidents. These non-economic damages recognize that money can’t fully restore what victims have lost, but they provide some measure of justice for the harm suffered. Michigan law allows for substantial pain and suffering awards in cases involving severe injuries.

Property Damage

Property damage compensation covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles, personal belongings, and other property destroyed in train accidents. This includes not only the fair market value of damaged vehicles but also personal items that were inside at the time of the collision. Our attorneys ensure that all property losses are documented and included in settlement negotiations to provide complete financial recovery for our clients.

Statute of Limitations for Train Accident Claims

Michigan law generally provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from train accidents. This means that victims must file their lawsuits within three years of the accident date or risk losing their right to seek compensation. However, certain circumstances can affect this time limit, making it important to consult with an attorney promptly.

Claims against government entities may be subject to much shorter notice requirements, sometimes as brief as six months from the accident date. These cases involve additional steps that must be followed precisely to preserve the right to compensation. Our attorneys are familiar with these rules and can ensure that all deadlines are met properly.

FELA claims for railroad workers also have a three-year statute of limitations, but the clock may start running from the date the worker discovered their injury rather than when it occurred. This discovery rule can be particularly important in cases involving occupational illnesses or cumulative trauma injuries. We help railroad workers understand their rights and ensure their claims are filed within the appropriate time limits.

Get Started with Your Train Accident Claim Today

Don’t let railroad companies escape responsibility for the harm they’ve caused through their negligence. Contact our train accident lawyers to discuss your train accident case with experienced Michigan attorneys who know how to win. Time is limited for filing these claims, so call now to protect your rights and start your path toward the compensation you’re entitled to receive. To learn more or schedule a no-obligation consultation, fill out our Ask the Genius™ form or call 1-800-209-4000 today.