Gulfport police are currently investigating after a train and a car collided in Gulfport on December 12.
According to news reports, the accident happened around 9 a.m. at the railroad crossing on Lewis Avenue in Gulfport. The driver was flown to a regional hospital and has been listed in critical condition.
There is no word about what caused the collision.
Train Vs. Car Accidents: How Do They Happen?
Train-car collisions represent some of the most catastrophic accidents on our transportation networks, often resulting in devastating consequences due to the sheer mass and force involved. A typical freight train can weigh upwards of 12 million pounds and take more than a mile to stop, even with emergency braking. When colliding with a passenger vehicle weighing only a few thousand pounds, the outcome is almost always fatal for the vehicle occupants.
The primary causes of these accidents include drivers misjudging the train’s speed and distance, malfunctioning crossing signals or gates, poor visibility at crossings, and occasionally, GPS navigation systems directing drivers across tracks at dangerous or illegal crossing points. Distracted driving also plays a significant role, as drivers may be unaware of approaching trains while using their phones or engaging with other distractions.
From a legal standpoint, injury victims in train-car accidents face a complex legal landscape. Railroad companies are governed by both state and federal regulations, and claims often involve multiple parties including the railroad company, the train operator, maintenance companies responsible for crossing signals, and sometimes local municipalities responsible for crossing maintenance. If you’re involved in a train accident, it’s important to first seek immediate medical attention, then document everything possible about the accident scene, including photographs of the crossing signals, any obstructions, and the damage sustained. Contacting law enforcement and obtaining an official accident report is essential.
Given the complexity of these cases and the sophisticated legal teams employed by railroad companies, you must contact a Gulfport personal injury lawyer with expertise in train accidents. These attorneys can help navigate the intricate federal regulations, determine liability, and handle negotiations with multiple insurance companies and corporate entities while ensuring vital evidence is preserved.
Recovery in train accident cases often requires proving negligence on the part of the railroad company or other responsible parties, such as inadequate warning systems, poor maintenance of crossings, or failure to follow safety protocols. However, victims should be aware that these cases typically have shorter statutes of limitations than regular car accidents due to special rules governing railroad companies, making prompt legal action essential. Additionally, if the accident involved a commuter train or other government-operated railroad, special notice requirements and even shorter time limits may apply.
If you were involved in a train accident, don’t delay. Contact the Giddens Law Firm today to speak with our experienced injury attorney.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Mississippi. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Giddens Law Firm as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.