Railroad Accidents in San Angelo: Understanding Liability

Railroad accidents in and around San Angelo can cause devastating injuries and loss of life. Liability in these cases is often complex, involving federal railroad regulations, Texas personal injury law, and—when railroad workers are injured—special federal statutes.

Understanding how liability is analyzed helps injured individuals and families recognize why railroad accident cases require careful investigation and experienced legal representation.

Why Railroad Accident Cases Are Legally Complex

Railroad accidents are not handled like typical personal injury claims. One of the biggest reasons is federal oversight. The railroad industry is heavily regulated at the federal level, particularly by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). These regulations can influence what claims may be brought and how fault is evaluated.

At the same time, Texas law still plays a major role—especially when accidents involve drivers, pedestrians, or property owners near railroad tracks.

Two threshold questions usually shape liability from the outset:

1. Who was injured?
   • A railroad employee
   • A motorist or pedestrian
   • A nearby property owner
2. Where and how did the incident occur?
   • At a public or private railroad crossing
   • On railroad property
   • During railroad work activities

The answers determine which laws apply and which parties may be responsible.

Common Types of Railroad Accidents in San Angelo

Railroad incidents in West Texas often fall into several recurring categories. Each raises different liability considerations.

Train–Vehicle Collisions at Railroad Crossings

Collisions at highway–rail grade crossings are among the most serious railroad accidents. These crashes often involve passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, or pedestrians struck by a train.

Liability may depend on issues such as:

• Whether warning devices (lights, gates, signs) were present and functioning
• Visibility and sightlines at the crossing
• Vegetation or obstructions blocking a driver’s view
• Train speed and use of audible warnings

Because some crossing safety measures are governed by federal regulations, certain claims may be limited by federal law, while others remain available under Texas negligence principles.

Derailments and Mechanical Failures

Derailments can occur due to:

• Track defects
• Equipment failures
• Improper maintenance
• Signal or switching errors

These incidents may injure train crews, motorists near the tracks, or residents and businesses close to the derailment site. Investigations often focus on maintenance records, inspection practices, and whether safety rules were followed.

Railroad Worker Injuries

Railroad employees face unique hazards, including:

• Uneven ballast and walking surfaces
• Heavy machinery and moving equipment
• Time pressure and fatigue
• Repetitive motion or cumulative trauma

Unlike most workers in Texas, railroad employees are generally not covered by standard workers’ compensation systems. Instead, many on-the-job railroad injuries are governed by a federal statute known as the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).

Accidents on or Near Railroad Property

Some cases involve pedestrians or others injured while on or near railroad property. These claims can raise questions about:

• Whether the injured person was lawfully present
• What duty of care the railroad owed under the circumstances
• Whether known hazards were addressed

These cases are highly fact-specific and often depend on location, prior incidents, and railroad practices.

Liability for Railroad Employees: Understanding FELA

When a railroad employee is injured at work, liability is often analyzed under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Enacted in 1908, FELA allows railroad workers to seek compensation when a railroad’s negligence played a role in causing an injury.

Unlike traditional workers’ compensation systems:

• FELA is fault-based, meaning negligence must be shown
• The claim is brought against the railroad employer
• Compensation may include damages for pain, suffering, and lost earning capacity

To establish liability under FELA, an injured worker typically must show that the railroad failed to provide a reasonably safe work environment. This may involve unsafe equipment, inadequate training, poor maintenance, or unsafe work practices.

FELA claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations, making early investigation and documentation especially important.

Liability for the Public: Texas Negligence Law

When railroad accidents injure drivers, pedestrians, or others not employed by the railroad, Texas personal injury law often applies.

Under Texas negligence principles, liability generally requires proof of:

• A legal duty owed
• A breach of that duty
• Causation
• Damages

Railroad companies may owe duties related to:

• Maintaining safe crossings
• Properly operating trains
• Following applicable safety regulations

Texas also applies a comparative responsibility system. This means fault may be allocated among multiple parties, and a claimant’s recovery can be reduced if they are found partially responsible.

Federal Preemption: A Critical Issue in Railroad Crossing Cases

One of the most misunderstood aspects of railroad accident litigation is federal preemption.

In some circumstances, federal law can limit or preempt certain state-law claims—particularly those involving:

• Train speed regulations
• The adequacy of warning devices installed with federal funding

Courts have held that when federal regulations “cover” a specific safety issue, some state-law claims may be restricted. This does not mean railroads are immune from liability. Instead, it means that the legal theory must fit within the boundaries allowed by federal law.

Understanding preemption requires careful analysis of:

• The specific crossing involved
• Whether federal funds were used
• Which regulations applied at the time of the accident

Wrongful Death Claims Involving Railroad Accidents

Tragically, some railroad accidents result in fatalities. In Texas, wrongful death and survival claims are governed by state statutes and allow certain family members to seek compensation for losses arising from a loved one’s death.

These claims may arise from:

• Train–vehicle collisions
• Pedestrian accidents
• Fatal railroad workplace injuries

Texas generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims, making timely evaluation essential.

How These Cases Relate to Webb, Stokes & Sparks

Railroad accident cases demand a law firm that understands both Texas personal injury law and the federal regulations governing railroads. At Webb, Stokes & Sparks, the firm represents individuals and families harmed by serious accidents, including complex railroad injury claims.

Our practice focuses on:

• Investigating catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
• Holding large companies accountable when safety failures occur
• Navigating cases involving federal and state law overlap

Conclusion

Railroad accidents in San Angelo present unique legal challenges. Whether the incident involves a crossing collision, a derailment, or a railroad worker injury, liability often hinges on a careful analysis of federal statutes, safety regulations, and Texas negligence law. Understanding how these elements interact helps injured individuals and families recognize why railroad accident cases require focused attention and experienced legal representation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.