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Train Accident Attorneys in Atlanta

Fighting for Georgia victims of train and railroad accidents

Millions of people rely on trains and subway systems for their transportation every day. Whether it’s commuting to work through MARTA, or taking an extended trip on Amtrak, these individuals rightfully expect the highest level of care and safety in their travels. When train accidents occur – whether a passenger train or one of our ever-present freight trains – it is crucial to pinpoint the liable party.

The lawyers of Harris Lowry Manton LLP know how to successfully traverse the complexities of these cases and strive to secure high-value settlements or verdicts for their clients. If you or a family member was injured in a train or subway accident, our Atlanta train accident lawyers can help.

Quick questions

How often do train accidents happen?

According to Operation Lifesaver, 2,194 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2022 across the United States, with 274 crossing fatalities and 803 crossing injuries.

Georgia ranks in the top 10 (number six) in the nation for crossing fatalities and injuries with 98 collisions, 2 deaths, and 24 injuries.

What are the different types of train accidents?

Train accidents can occur in various ways, leading to a wide range of incidents and consequences. Some common types of train accidents include:

  • Derailments. Derailments happen when a train leaves its tracks, which can be caused by factors such as track defects, excessive speed, or faulty equipment.
  • Collisions. Train collisions occur when two trains collide with each other. These accidents may result from signal errors, miscommunications, or failures in following safety protocols.
  • Crossing accidents. Level crossing accidents happen when a train collides with a car, pedestrian, or other object at a railroad crossing. These accidents may occur due to inadequate warning signals, driver error, or malfunctioning crossing gates.
  • Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents involve individuals being hit by a train while walking or standing too close to the tracks. These incidents can occur due to a lack of warning signs.
  • Human error. Many train accidents occur due to human error, including mistakes made by train operators, engineers, or maintenance personnel.
  • Infrastructure failures. Accidents can occur when infrastructure components, such as tracks, switches, or signals, fail to function correctly.
  • Hazardous material incidents. Accidents involving trains carrying hazardous materials can lead to catastrophic consequences, including fires, explosions, and environmental hazards.

Train accidents can cause severe injuries, fatalities, property damage, and environmental impacts. Preventative measures, such as regular maintenance, proper training, and adherence to safety protocols, are essential to reducing the risk of train accidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and the public.

What are common injuries from Atlanta train accidents?

Train accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the significant forces involved in these incidents. Common injuries from train accidents include:

The severity of injuries in train accidents can vary widely, ranging from serious to life-altering or fatal injuries. Survivors of train accidents often require immediate medical attention, and some injuries may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support.

Common causes of injury on trains and platforms

Train, tram, and subway injuries can stem from a number of causes. Our skilled Atlanta train accident lawyers have handled injury cases involving:

  • Closing doors. Malfunctioning doors can trap passengers, causing broken bones and extensive nerve damage.
  • Turnstile injuries. Faulty turnstiles can trap people, also potentially causing bone fractures and nerve damage.
  • Unreasonable gaps between the train and platform. When passengers board a train or subway, the step between the platform and the train should be a natural one. With gaps, passengers must jump or leap onto the train, which can lead to serious falls or even executions, if they land in close proximity to a live rail.
  • Slips and falls. These injuries commonly occur within the train station. They stem from a number of underlying problems, including:
    • Negligent maintenance
    • Broken stairs or escalators
    • Debris in the walkway
    • Slippery floors
    • Inadequate lighting
  • Physical assaults. Under premises liability law, train and subway system operators also have a duty to maintain their stations in a reasonably secure manner. This means that the operating agency may be liable for acts of violence occurring within the train or train station.

Who is liable for my Atlanta railroad accident and injuries?

Our attorneys work with the Federal Railroad Administration and all other agencies responsible for investigating train accidents. We will file claims against all liable defendants, who can include:

  • Train operator or engineer. If the accident was caused by the train operator's negligence, such as speeding, failing to follow signals, or distracted driving, they may be held liable.
  • Railroad company. The railroad company may be held liable if the accident was caused by their failure to maintain tracks, signals, or equipment properly, or if they were negligent in training or supervising their employees.
  • Maintenance crew or contractors. If the accident resulted from poor maintenance or faulty repairs by a maintenance crew or contractors responsible for the tracks or equipment, they may be liable.
  • Manufacturer or supplier. If the train or its components were defective, leading to the accident, the manufacturer or supplier may be held liable under product liability laws.
  • Government entities. In some cases, government entities responsible for maintaining public railways may be liable for accidents caused by their negligence or failure to address known hazards.
  • Third parties. Liability can also extend to third parties, such as drivers, pedestrians, or other individuals whose actions contributed to the accident.

The attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton will conduct a full investigation into your railroad accident and injuries to determine all responsible parties.

How can your law firm help with my train accident case?

Harris Lowry Manton is experienced in all aspects of these types of cases. We recovered $11.2 million for a woman who was hit by a train while working on a film. In this complicated case, which began with multiple defendants – all of whom either settled out of court with the plaintiffs or were dismissed by HLM – defendant CSX attempted to blame the victim for the tragedy, asserting the film crew should not have been on the tracks in the first place. The company also claimed the train operator could not see people on the tracks, and once he was upon the crew, could not slow down or stop as it would cause the train to derail.

After hearing the facts presented by HLM's legal team, the jury sided with the plaintiffs, speaking clearly through their unanimous verdict of $11.2 million, of which CSX is responsible for 35%.

With dozens of other multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts, we are here to help you, too.

Do you have an Atlanta train accident attorney near me?

Harris Lowry Manton LLP’s Atlanta office is located at 1418 Dresden Drive, in Brookhaven, Georgia, with plenty of local parking just a short walk away.

Contact our experienced Georgia train and subway accident attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a train or subway accident, turn to the accomplished Atlanta train accident lawyers of HLM for help. Put our excellent negotiation and trial skills to work in your train or subway accident case. Call our Atlanta or Savannah offices, or complete our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.

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