Train accidents are not like ordinary crashes. A single derailment, Amtrak collision, or railroad crossing accident can injure dozens of passengers and cause multiple fatalities in an instant. Survivors are often left with catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, burns, and other life-altering harm. Families grieving the wrongful death of a loved one face emotional and financial loss that no one should have to endure.

Because trains are regulated at both the state and federal level, train accident cases are complex from the very beginning. Railroad companies and insurers move quickly to protect themselves, leaving victims at risk of being overlooked or pressured into unfair settlements. Having an experienced train accident lawyer by your side ensures your rights are protected and your case is handled with the urgency it demands.

Why Train Accident Cases Are Complex

Unlike car or truck crashes, liability for a train accident can extend across multiple parties. Railroad operators, track owners, equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and even government agencies responsible for crossings may all share responsibility. Federal oversight—including regulations enforced by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)—adds another layer of complexity.

Our attorneys investigate aggressively to uncover the truth. We work with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and other specialists to identify failures that caused the crash, such as:

  • Defective train equipment or braking systems
  • Excessive speed or operator negligence
  • Broken rails or poorly maintained tracks
  • Malfunctioning crossing gates, lights, or signals
  • Unsafe railroad work conditions under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)

By cutting through bureaucracy and standing up to powerful rail companies and their insurers, we pursue justice for victims and families impacted by these preventable disasters.

Standing With Train Accident Victims

Train derailments, Amtrak collisions, and railroad crossing accidents change lives in an instant. At our firm, we understand what’s at stake and what it takes to stand up to powerful rail companies. Our Delaware train accident attorneys fight for full and fair compensation so victims and families can focus on recovery, not red tape.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, call us at 302.655.2599 or submit our contact form below for a free consultation. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

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Team Leaders

Keith E. Donovan
Managing Partner
Michael G. Owen
Partner

What Compensation May Be Available

Train accident injuries often bring overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Victims and families may be entitled to recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses and rehabilitation
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

Every case is unique, but our goal is always the same: to secure the financial resources you need to rebuild your life after a devastating train accident.

Train Accidents FAQs

What causes most train accidents?

Train derailments, collisions, and crossing accidents often stem from human error, poor maintenance, mechanical failures, or defective warning systems. In some cases, companies put profit over safety, leading to preventable tragedies.

Who can be held liable in a train accident lawsuit?

Depending on the facts, liable parties may include Amtrak or commuter rail operators, freight rail companies, manufacturers of defective equipment, contractors responsible for track maintenance, and government entities that oversee rail infrastructure and crossings.

How are train accident cases different from car accident claims?

Train accident litigation involves multiple defendants, federal safety regulations, and large-scale investigations. These cases require a train accident attorney who understands both personal injury law and the complex federal framework governing railroads.

What if I was hit at a railroad crossing?

Drivers and pedestrians injured at unsafe or poorly maintained crossings may recover damages. If warning lights, gates, or signals were missing, defective, or obstructed, those responsible can be held accountable.

What types of compensation can victims recover?

Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages for surviving family members.

Why is it important to contact a lawyer quickly after a train accident?

Railroad companies often control the evidence. Having an attorney launch an independent investigation right away helps preserve critical records, protect your rights, and strengthen your case.

We’re Ready to Help

If you or a family member was harmed in a train accident, submit our contact form below to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our train accident attorneys.

Connect with the Catastrophic Accidents & Serious Injuries Group at Morris James

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Ashley C. Curran

Ashley C. Curran

Associate
Keith E. Donovan

Keith E. Donovan

Managing Partner
Matthew R. Fogg

Matthew R. Fogg

Partner
Kevin G. Healy

Kevin G. Healy

Partner
Michael G. Owen

Michael G. Owen

Partner
Susan D. Ament

Susan D. Ament

Retired Partner
Clayton E. Bunting

Clayton E. Bunting

Of Counsel