Train accidents are some of the most serious transportation incidents that occur, frequently resulting in life-altering injuries or, in the most tragic cases, loss of life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident in Longview, TX, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help.
At Winocour Law, we help families across East Texas pursue accountability and justice after serious rail incidents. From derailments to pedestrian fatalities, we stand with our clients through these difficult times with clarity, compassion, and legal guidance rooted in deep community ties.
Winocour Law is Longview’s Trusted Personal Injury Law Firm
Train-accident litigation requires experience, skill, and diligence. Our team combines all three.
Mike C. Miller, a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, leads our train and transportation injury practice. His certification reflects advanced trial experience and recognition by the State Bar for exceptional skill in the field of personal injury law.
Jonathan Winocour, founding attorney of the firm, is a Diplomate of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. His courtroom record and recognition by Texas Lawyer magazine reflect the firm’s long-standing success in complex litigation.
For over 135 years, our Texas trial lawyers have put justice within reach of extraordinary Texans. That legacy continues as we advocate for families in Longview, Gregg County, and throughout East Texas.
Common Causes of Train Accidents
Train accidents happen for many reasons, often involving multiple layers of negligence.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Human Error or Negligence: Distracted engineers, signaling mistakes, or crew fatigue.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, defective couplings, or worn components.
- Track and Signal Problems: Poor maintenance or malfunctioning warning systems.
- Weather and Environmental Factors: Heavy rain, fog, or debris obstructing crossings.
Each case presents its own challenges. Our Longview train accident lawyers collaborate with experts to determine the cause of the incident and identify those responsible.
Typical Train Accident Scenarios
We represent clients in a wide range of railroad-related injury cases, including:
- Passenger Train Accidents – Injuries caused by collisions or equipment failures.
- Freight Train Collisions – Crashes involving commercial trains and roadway vehicles.
- Derailments – Resulting from track defects, excessive speed, or mechanical breakdowns.
- Railroad Crossing Incidents – Accidents where warning signals or gates malfunctioned.
- Pedestrian and Worker Accidents – Fatal or severe injuries occurring along active railways.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Texas consistently ranks among the top states for train-related collisions and fatalities.
Longview Train Accidents: Governed by Federal and Texas Law
Train safety is governed by both federal and state law.
- The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) oversees nationwide safety regulations, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates major accidents.
- Texas law governs personal injury and wrongful death claims, including who may file and how damages are determined.
Because both state and federal rules apply, railroad cases often involve multiple layers of liability. Our attorneys know the local Gregg County and Harrison County court systems well, allowing us to act quickly when time matters most.
Train Accident Litigation in Longview, Texas
At Winocour Law, our role is to protect your rights, preserve your options, and move your case toward the best outcome.
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the accident (Texas Legislature Online). Consulting with legal counsel as soon as possible after the accident helps ensure that you meet this critical deadline.
Here’s what working with our firm looks like:
- We start with a free consultation.
You’ll meet directly with an attorney to discuss what happened, your injuries, and your goals. We explain your rights clearly and outline what the process will look like from the start.
- We investigate the accident.
Our team gathers every relevant record, including maintenance logs, witness statements, black box data, and scene photographs. We work with investigators and industry experts to build a full picture of what went wrong and who’s responsible.
- We prepare your demand and negotiate.
Once we understand the scope of your losses, we craft a demand letter that tells your story through evidence and expert opinion. Then we negotiate directly with insurers and defense counsel to seek a fair and timely resolution.
- We move into litigation when necessary.
If a reasonable settlement isn’t offered, we file suit. During discovery, we take depositions, exchange documents, and prepare your case for trial. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening—we keep you informed at every step.
- We take your case to trial if that’s what justice requires.
Some cases must be tried to achieve accountability. When that happens, our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience to your side, presenting your case with skill, preparation, and purpose.
From consultation to resolution, our focus remains on you. Our Longview train accident lawyers handle every case with the care and diligence that families across East Texas have trusted for generations.
Compensation for Victims of Train Accidents
Train accidents often cause life-changing injuries and losses. The law allows victims and their families to recover compensation for both financial and non-economic harm, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Payment for time missed from work and any lasting impact on your ability to earn a living.
- Pain and Suffering: Recognition of the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, courts may award additional damages under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §41.003 to punish and deter wrongful conduct.
Texas follows a comparative negligence rule under §33.001, which means your recovery may be reduced if you share some responsibility for the accident. However, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation for your losses.
At Winocour Law, we work to ensure that every dollar of your loss is accounted for, including medical bills, lost wages, pain, and the disruption to your future. Our attorneys understand how to value complex claims and present evidence that tells the full story of what you’ve endured. For families in Longview and across East Texas, that commitment can make the difference between partial recovery and true accountability.
In the Aftermath of a Longview Train Accident, Winocour Law Is Standing By
At Winocour Law, we understand what families face after a devastating train accident. Our attorneys approach each case with compassion and purpose, focusing on results that can help you rebuild your life.
We handle all train accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and no legal costs unless we recover compensation for you. Call (214) 740-4848 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with a Longview train accident lawyer today.
Serving clients throughout Longview, Gregg County, and East Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a train accident in Longview?
Seek medical attention and consult with an attorney before speaking with representatives from the insurance or rail company.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally, two years from the date of the accident under Texas law.
What compensation can I recover?
Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, depending on your injuries.
How is liability determined?
Through investigation of operator logs, signal data, maintenance reports, and expert analysis.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were less than 51% responsible under Texas comparative fault rules.
What if a loved one was killed in a train accident?
Family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. We handle these cases with respect and sensitivity.