A Service of Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.How Do I Determine Whether My Accident Was Caused By The Railroad?

In most cases, only railroad industry safety experts in conjunction with lawyers can determine whether a railroad’s conduct contributed to any particular accident. Experts and lawyers have the unique ability to quickly and timely review the facts of your case, investigate the scene of the accident, review the train crew’s conduct and performance, and determine in a timely manner whether the railroad’s negligence played any part in your accident. For this reason, if you or a loved one have been involved in a catastrophic injury or death as the result of a railroad crossing accident, it is critical that you contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your case and options.

To determine if your accident was the result of the railroad’s negligence, please feel free to contact Todd Hilton at (800) 714-0360, or email him at hilton@stuevesiegel.com to discuss your case.

Q.What Documentation Do I Need To Retain If I Am Involved In A Crossing Accident?

Making sure you document everything and all facts surrounding any crossing accident may be the most important thing you can do. Keeping all paperwork and documenting all events will likely increase your chances of recovering all compensation you may be entitled to under the law.

Often times, only by taking meticulous notes about the accident event, the weather, the scene of the accident, all witnesses involved, the locomotive’s behavior, lights and sounds, and all of your injuries and how those injuries affect your daily life will you later be able to accurately remember all of the events that took place prior to, during and after a catastrophic accident. Write everything down as soon as you can and remember to include everything you or anyone else saw, heard, felt, said or remembered about the accident.

If you would like to discuss your accident with an experienced attorney or schedule a free consultation, please feel free to contact Todd Hilton at (800) 714-0360, or email him at hilton@stuevesiegel.com to discuss your case.

Q.Do I Need To Immediately Contact Any Insurance Companies, Law Enforcement Personnel Or Other Government Agencies?

Many insurance companies as well as many states require that individuals involved in automobile accidents that result in injuries must file certain documentation. These reports must sometimes be filed with the insurance companies, with local Law Enforcement personnel, or with the state’s department of motor vehicles. In order to determine which forms you must file and when to file them, please immediately call your insurance agent and ask him or her about the forms you must file and the time limits you have to file any such documentation. If you must file such documentation, it will be important to speak with a lawyer prior to filling out and filing such documentation because the documentation may request statements about the accident, fault for the accident, responsible parties for the accident, or other similar information. A lawyer can help quickly investigate your case and assist in filling out all documentation properly and accurately.

If you would like to discuss your accident with an experienced attorney or schedule a free consultation, please feel free to contact Todd Hilton at (800) 714-0360, or email him at hilton@stuevesiegel.com to discuss your case.

Q.The Railroad Has Already Offered Me A Quick Settlement For My Injuries – Should I Take It?

Never accept any settlement or sign any paperwork without first speaking with an experienced railroad accident attorney. The railroads often offer such quick settlements to take advantage of a victim or victim’s family in a time of grief and need. After the railroad has given you this settlement, they will ask that you sign a release stating that you will not and cannot sue them for anything. Before you even enter into discussions with anyone from the railroad or any insurance company, you should immediately consult with a lawyer.

If you would like to discuss your accident with an experienced attorney or schedule a free consultation, please feel free to contact Todd Hilton at (800) 714-0360, or email him at hilton@stuevesiegel.com to discuss your case.

Q.What Should The Railroad Have Done As Its Locomotive Approached The Crossing?

There are often both federal and state laws that govern the railroad’s duties as its trains approach any crossing. Similarly, there are both federal and state laws that govern the railroad’s duties to install crossing signs/signals and their duties to maintain the crossing and any signs/signals.

When approaching any crossing, a train crew must have the train’s lights on and must be sounding the train’s horn. State law normally mandates the loudness that the horn must meet and also often mandates the number of times the horn must be sounded. Any crossing used by the public must be maintained, free of obstructive vegetation, in a reasonably prudent manner.

If you would like to discuss your accident with an experienced attorney to determine whether the railroad’s conduct was negligent, please feel free to contact Todd Hilton at (800) 714-0360, or email him at hilton@stuevesiegel.com to discuss your case.

Q.What If I Have Other Questions?

No problem. Railroad crossing accident cases are some of the most complex types of litigation in the country involving unique federal and state law. The best way to determine if you have a potential case involved railroad negligence is to have an attorney evaluate your claim.

If you would like to discuss your accident with an experienced attorney or schedule a free consultation, please feel free to contact Todd Hilton at (800) 714-0360, or email him at hilton@stuevesiegel.com to discuss your case.