There is no simple way to overcome something as tragic as an accident involving a train. When it comes to railways, there are no minor accidents. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences of this event can affect victims and their families for years, and without the proper support can cause significant hardship. These accidents are usually catastrophic, involving the most serious of injuries that often 
require expensive, lifelong medical care.
Whether you were injured as a train passenger or railroad worker, it is critical to get the maximum compensation you receive. For yourself and your family, make sure you work with our experienced railroad accident lawyers. At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we represent clients who have suffered serious injuries in railroad accidents. With more than 35 years of experience representing New York City clients throughout the five boroughs in all types of claims involving railroad accidents, experienced lawyers from our firm take a focused, aggressive approach. We work up every case for trial right from the start, to best position our clients for settlement negotiations and the possibility of litigation, ensuring that every rail accident victim can obtain the maximum compensation available.
Our Railroad Accident Lawyers Represent All Types of Injured Victims
Railroad accidents can devastate individuals and families, and the legal team at Hofmann & Schweitzer is dedicated to helping them obtain the care and compensation they need to move forward toward a successful and safe future. We handle railroad accident claims for many clients, including:
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Drivers who have been hit by trains. We represent drivers who suffered train injuries due to defective railroad crossing barricades and other causes. The physical injuries and property damage are severe in most of these cases, so our attorneys fight aggressively for our clients.
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Railroad Worker Injuries (FELA Claims). For those who work on the railroad, injuries can occur while in motion or while performing maintenance. We represent injured railroad employees in workers' compensation claims, third-party claims, and lawsuits against employers, a possibility that is unique for railroad employees.
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Injured railroad passengers. We help clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries in train crashes. With decades of experience handling this type of severe injury claim, our attorneys will bring a claim against the railroad company and its insurance carrier to maximize your compensation.
Our Railroad Accident Lawyers Understand The Laws Are Different
The law governing railways and rail injury cases involve a combination of state and federal statutes, making pursuing a legal case more complex. Navigating the system can be frustrating and confusing, and victims need experienced, effective guidance. Victims and their families should be able to focus on what really matters, while a knowledgeable legal team ensures their rights are protected throughout the process.
In many states, rail carriers also have a greater responsibility to passengers than other types of injury defendants. While any personal injury case will expect the victim to have acted in a careful and responsible way, rail-related injury cases hold carriers to the highest degree of care, often making them more culpable when something goes wrong.
Common Types of Railroad Accidents
There are many different hazards associated with railroads. Accidents can involve a wide variety of situations, and all of them can cause significant and enduring physical, emotional, and financial damage.
Unfortunately, railway accidents are not uncommon. The Federal Railroad Administration reported over 5,000 rail incidents already this year, which have accounted for more than 4,000 injuries and 437 deaths. The most common types of rail accidents include:
- Derailment
- Train and car collision
- Train and train collision
- Crossing accidents
- Platform accidents
All of these rail accidents are different from other types of accidents due to the mass and high speeds of trains moving across tracks. According to rail safety organization, Operation Life Saver, the force of a 30-car freight train hitting a car is similar to that of a car crushing an aluminum soda can. There is little defense for accident victims who suffer serious and debilitating injuries.
Contact Our Experienced New York & New Jersey Railroad Accident Lawyers
Discuss your case with an experienced attorney from Hofmann & Schweitzer by calling or taking a moment to fill out the contact form on this page. You can also call us directly at 800.362.9329. We can help you understand your rights as a railroad accident victim, and help you pursue maximum compensation.
