Williford Law | Elite Legal Advocacy for Catastrophic Train Injuries and Wrongful Death
When a Train Derails More Than Steel, We Help You Rebuild Everything It Took
Train accidents are among the most violent and devastating events on the American infrastructure. Whether it’s a passenger train derailment, a vehicle-train collision, or a pedestrian fatality at a crossing, the human cost is staggering.
The railroad industry moves fast to limit its liability. Victims and families are often left confused, grieving, and facing powerful corporate defense teams.
At Williford Law, we represent individuals and families in Texas in catastrophic train injury and wrongful death cases. We take on commuter rail systems, national carriers, freight operators, and municipal transit agencies — and we don’t flinch when the defense firms show up.
If your life was shattered by a train accident, you deserve truth, accountability, and full financial recovery. That’s our mission.
We Handle Serious Train-Related Injury and Death Cases, Including:
- Amtrak, DART, METRO, and private rail passenger injuries
- Derailments due to excessive speed, poor maintenance, or track failure
- Car-train collisions at crossings with broken gates, poor visibility, or failed signals
- Pedestrian deaths at unprotected crossings, rail stations, or open corridors
- Falls and crush injuries on rail platforms or in transit stations
- Mechanical failure and signal malfunctions leading to injury
- Railroad worker injury claims under FELA (Federal Employers’ Liability Act)
- Train-related wrongful death on behalf of spouses, children, and next of kin
No matter where the crash occurred — in Texas, at a rural crossing, or on a high-speed corridor — we are equipped to investigate, litigate, and recover.
Who Is Liable in a Train Accident?
| Defendant | Examples of Fault |
| Train operator or engineer | Speeding, distraction, impairment, failure to follow protocol |
| Rail carrier (Amtrak, BNSF, Union Pacific) | Poor maintenance, improper staffing, ignored safety warnings |
| Signal/crossing equipment manufacturers | Gate failure, lighting or alarm malfunction, design defects |
| Transit authorities (DART, METRO) | Dangerous infrastructure, improper inspection, station hazards |
| Government entities | Unsafe crossings, lack of signage, unmarked pedestrian paths |
| Private property owners | Obstructions, unsafe easements, improperly marked crossings |
Train accident claims often involve multiple defendants, overlapping jurisdictions, and federal regulations.
We cut through it all and drive results.
Causes of Train Accidents We Investigate
- Operator fatigue or distraction
- Failure to follow federally mandated speed restrictions
- Broken rails, misaligned tracks, or deteriorating rail ties
- Defective braking systems or faulty communication between conductors
- Signal malfunctions at crossings or switches
- Inadequate crossing protection (missing or malfunctioning gates)
- Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo
- Inadequate employee training or failure to follow rail protocols
Our team works alongside rail engineers, black box data experts, and federal regulation consultants to investigate and prove your claim.
Injuries Common in Train Crashes and Collisions
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and orthopedic trauma
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Severe burns from post-crash fires or chemical exposure
- Internal bleeding, collapsed lungs, and organ rupture
- PTSD, anxiety, and psychological distress
- Fatal injuries in high-speed impacts or track-related incidents
At Williford Law, we don’t just understand the medical terms — we understand what it means to live with these injuries for life.
Damages We Fight to Recover
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Long-term care and home modifications
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses (for wrongful death)
- Full wrongful death compensation for loss of support and household contribution
Every loss has a dollar value under the law, and we pursue every cent you deserve.
What to Do After a Train Accident in Texas
- Call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical care.
- Report the incident to police and rail personnel.
- Do not sign any paperwork from the train company, insurer, or government entity.
- Photograph the scene, injuries, the train ID, crossing signals, surroundings, and damage.
- Preserve your clothing and belongings — they may be evidence.
- Collect witness contact information if possible.
- Call Williford Law — we immediately issue legal preservation letters and begin an investigation.
Train companies work quickly to clean up and protect their bottom line. We work faster to protect you.
Why Choose Williford Law
- Experience with federal rail litigation, state tort claims, and FELA
- A track record of seven-figure results in catastrophic injury and wrongful death
- Backed by national experts in rail safety, engineering, and forensic analysis
- Prepared to take on Amtrak, major railroads, and government agencies
- Contingency-based representation — no fees unless we win
- Personalized, trial-ready advocacy for every client
We don’t accept excuses. We demand results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a rail company after a train crash?
Yes. You can file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the train operator or rail company if their negligence contributed to the crash.
What if I were in a car hit by a train?
You may sue the rail company if the crossing lacked proper signals, gates, or visibility, or if the train was traveling too fast or failed to sound warnings.
What if a loved one died after being struck by a train?
Surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit for funeral costs, loss of income, grief, and loss of companionship.
What if the injured person was a railroad employee?
Railroad workers are covered by FELA, not standard workers’ compensation. We represent injured workers in these specialized federal claims.
What’s the time limit to file?
Some claims — especially against public rail systems — require notice within 180 days. Do not delay.
