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Minnesota's extensive railroad network carries millions of tons of freight and thousands of passengers across the state every day. Unfortunately, when railroad companies prioritize profits over safety, it can lead to catastrophic accidents and life-changing injuries.
At SiebenCarey, we’ve taken on powerful railroad corporations before, and we’re ready to do it again. We’re here to secure justice for train accident victims across Minnesota.
Whether you've suffered injuries at a railroad crossing, as a train passenger, or while working on railroad property, our experienced legal team stands ready to hold negligent railroad companies accountable for the harm they've caused.
Don't let railroad giants escape responsibility for preventable tragedies. Contact SiebenCarey today for your confidential consultation.
Minnesota's railroad infrastructure spans thousands of miles, with Class I railroads like BNSF Railway and Union Pacific operating major freight lines throughout the state. This extensive network creates many opportunities for catastrophic accidents.
In 2023, there were 995 railroad deaths across the nation, a 10% increase from 2022 and the highest since 2007. According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, 2,252 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2024, resulting in 263 crossing fatalities and 751 crossing injuries across the United States.
Train accidents differ fundamentally from typical motor vehicle crashes. The immense size and weight of trains create forces that obliterate vehicles and cause life-altering injuries. It can also take a train a mile or more to stop, making it very hard to avoid collisions, even if the train is aware of the danger.
Highway-rail grade crossings are one of the most common places for train accidents to happen. This can happen when crossing signals malfunction, warning devices fail to activate, or sight lines are obstructed by vegetation or structures. Railroad companies bear responsibility when their safety systems fail to function properly or when they fail to maintain adequate warning devices.
Most train-related fatalities result from pedestrians being struck while on or near railroad tracks. These tragic incidents can occur when people attempt to cross tracks at unofficial locations or when trains approach crossings without proper warning signals.
According to Federal Railroad Administration data, approximately 1,164 train derailments occurred nationwide in 2022, an average of three per day. While many derailments cause minimal damage, others result in catastrophic injuries, environmental damage, and community disruption.
Derailments can result from track defects, mechanical failures, human error, excessive speed, or inadequate maintenance. When passenger trains derail, the potential for mass casualties is significant.
Head-on collisions between trains or rear-end impacts represent some of the most catastrophic railway accidents. These incidents often result from signal failures, human error, or inadequate communication systems.
Railroad employees face unique hazards, including moving equipment, electrical systems, hazardous materials, and dangerous working conditions. These workers are protected under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) rather than traditional workers' compensation systems.
Train accident cases involve both federal and state laws that require specialized expertise to navigate.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulates railroad safety through comprehensive rules governing equipment maintenance, signal systems, crew training, and operational procedures. Violations of FRA regulations can provide crucial evidence of negligence in accident cases.
Railroad workers injured on the job are protected under FELA rather than state workers' compensation systems. FELA is fault-based, meaning injured workers must prove their employer's negligence contributed to their injuries, but it allows for full damages, including pain and suffering.
Railroad accident cases may involve federal court jurisdiction, particularly when federal laws are implicated or when accidents occur in interstate commerce. Understanding which court system applies will be key to pursuing fair compensation.
Both federal and state laws govern railroad crossing safety, including requirements for:
Violations of these safety requirements can establish liability for crossing accidents.
Certain types of railroad cases may be subject to federal damage caps, particularly passenger rail accidents. Understanding these limitations is essential for proper case valuation.
Most railroad companies have well-funded legal teams. Proving negligence takes careful investigation and expert analysis.
Railroad crossing signals must function properly to warn motorists of approaching trains. When signals malfunction, fail to activate, or provide inadequate warning time, railroad companies may be liable for resulting accidents.
Railroads have a duty to maintain tracks, signals, crossings, and safety equipment. Poor maintenance or inadequate inspections can create hazardous conditions, making accidents more likely.
Train crews must follow established operating procedures, maintain proper speeds, and sound warning signals as required. When crews fail to follow safety protocols, their employers may be liable under respondeat superior principles.
Railroad companies must provide adequate warning of approaching trains through horns, signals, and crossing devices. Failure to maintain or properly operate these warning systems can leave them liable for any resulting accidents.
Railroads must maintain clear sight lines at crossings. Vegetation, structures, or other obstructions that block motorists' view of approaching trains can create dangerous conditions.
Poorly designed crossing configurations, inadequate signal placement, or confusing traffic patterns can contribute to accidents. These design defects may create liability for railroad companies and government entities.
Train accident investigations require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears or is altered by railroad companies.
Modern locomotives are equipped with event recorders that document speed, brake application, horn usage, and other critical operational data. This "black box" information provides objective evidence of train operation before and during accidents.
Many trains carry forward-facing cameras that record accidents as they occur. Obtaining this video evidence quickly is essential, as railro
Physical evidence at accident scenes can disappear quickly due to continued rail traffic and weather conditions. Immediate inspection of tracks, signals, and crossing equipment is essential for preserving evidence of defects or malfunctions.
Eyewitness accounts of train accidents can provide crucial perspectives on signal operation, train speed, and warning device function. Identifying and interviewing witnesses promptly ensures their recollections remain fresh and accurate.
Examining railroad compliance with FRA regulations, state safety requirements, and internal operating procedures can reveal violations that contributed to accidents.
Train accident cases demand attorneys with the courage and resources to challenge powerful railroad corporations.
Our landmark $24 million victory against BNSF in the Anoka County case demonstrates our ability to take on major railroad corporations and achieve meaningful results for clients. This case also showed our willingness to pursue complex litigation for years when justice demands it.
Founded in 1952, SiebenCarey has grown to be one of Minnesota's largest and most trusted personal injury firms. Over the past 70 years, we've represented over 70,000 Minnesotans, developing the legal knowledge and experience necessary for complex railroad cases.
Our legal team includes Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Board Certified Trial Advocates, and sixteen attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers or Rising Stars honorees, an honor awarded to only the top 5% of Minnesota attorneys.
Train accident cases require extensive investigation, expert analysis, and technical expertise. We have the financial resources and professional networks necessary to conduct thorough investigations and retain top experts in railroad engineering, signal systems, and accident reconstruction.
Many railroad cases involve federal jurisdiction and complex federal regulations. Our attorneys have extensive experience in federal court and understand the unique procedural requirements and legal standards applicable to railroad litigation.
While most cases end in a settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our thorough trial preparation often motivates insurance companies and corporations to offer fair settlements rather than face our experienced trial attorneys in front of a jury.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses without requiring upfront payment from any clients.
SiebenCarey's experience with railroad accidents is exemplified by our landmark victory in one of Minnesota's most significant train accident cases. In this case, we took on a major railroad corporation and achieved justice for grieving families.
On September 26, 2003, four young Minnesotans were tragically killed when their vehicle was struck by a BNSF freight train at the Ferry Street crossing in Anoka County. The car was driving across a railroad crossing when their car was hit by a freight train traveling at over 60 miles per hour.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe immediately blamed the victims, alleging they had driven around warning gates and attempted to beat the train across the intersection. The railroad's defense seemed straightforward: If the crossing arm was down, the victims were at fault; if the gate arm was up, the railroad bore responsibility.
SiebenCarey attorney William Bongard, representing one of the victim's families, conducted an extensive investigation that revealed shocking misconduct by BNSF. The railroad had failed to supply crucial evidence, provided incomplete records, and even manufactured evidence to support their defense.
Settlement attempts proved futile as BNSF refused to acknowledge responsibility. The case required more than four years of discovery and six weeks of trial, but SiebenCarey's legal team showed a jury that a crossing signal failure had caused the crash.
After the lengthy trial, the jury found BNSF 98% liable for the accident and awarded the families $24 million–$6 million for each victim's family. This verdict represented one of the largest railroad crossing awards in Minnesota history.
Anoka County District Court Judge Ellen Maas found that BNSF had engaged in "staggering misconduct" by destroying and fabricating evidence, refusing to produce relevant materials, and advancing lies through railroad employee testimony. Judge Maas added $4.6 million in sanctions to punish the railroad's evidence tampering.
BNSF appealed the verdict, but the Minnesota Supreme Court ultimately upheld the judgment, bringing closure to the eight-year legal battle and establishing important precedents for railroad accountability.
Train accidents often cause complex trauma requiring emergency medical care. Even if injuries seem minor, internal damage may not be immediately apparent.
If safely possible, document the scene with photographs showing train position, signal status, crossing conditions, and vehicle damage. Time-sensitive evidence can disappear quickly.
Contact law enforcement and ensure proper accident reports are filed. However, avoid making detailed statements about fault until consulting with legal counsel.
Collect contact information from any witnesses who observed the accident, signal operation, or train approach. Independent testimony can be crucial in challenging railroad defenses.
Keep detailed records of medical treatment, expenses, lost wages, and impacts on daily life. This documentation supports damage calculations in potential legal claims.
Railroad companies often send representatives to accident scenes and hospitals to gather information for their defense. Politely decline to provide statements until you have legal representation.
Early legal intervention is crucial in train accident cases due to the risk of evidence destruction and complex federal jurisdiction issues. Call us at 1-800-4-RIGHTS for immediate assistance.
When powerful railroad corporations prioritize profits over safety, the consequences can be devastating. SiebenCarey's train accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination necessary to challenge these corporate giants and hold them accountable.
Whether your accident occurred at a railroad crossing, on a passenger train, or while working on railroad property, we're prepared to meet you wherever is most convenient to begin building your case for justice and fair compensation.
Don't let railroad companies escape responsibility for preventable tragedies. Contact SiebenCarey today at 1-800-4-RIGHTS (1-800-474-4487) for your free consultation.
901 S Marquette Avenue, Suite 500Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Phone: 612-333-4500Fax: 612-333-5970
Also awarded in:
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year
Also awarded in:
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Also awarded in:
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008
7 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.
