$1.08 Million Verdict: Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and Youngdahl Law Firm Win Railroad Crossing Truck Accident Case

When an 18-wheeler becomes stuck on a railroad crossing, the consequences can be devastating. Railroad crossing truck accidents represent some of the most dangerous collisions on American roadways, often resulting in catastrophic injuries to railroad workers, truck drivers, and motorists.

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and the Youngdahl Law Firm recently secured a $1.08 million jury verdict against JAMS Trucking on behalf of a Union Pacific locomotive engineer injured when a tractor-trailer became stuck on an elevated railroad crossing in North Harris County. This verdict—following a $1.73 million verdict in May 2025 for another injured railroad worker—demonstrates the serious consequences of trucking company negligence at railroad crossings.

If you’ve been injured in a railroad crossing accident involving a commercial truck, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Contact our experienced trial attorneys at 713-571-1146 for a free consultation.

Understanding Railroad Crossing Truck Accidents

Railroad crossing truck accidents occur when commercial vehicles collide with trains at grade crossings, often becoming stuck or stranded on tracks due to insufficient ground clearance, mechanical failures, or driver error.

The Dangers of Elevated and Humped Railroad Crossings

Elevated, humped, and raised railroad crossings present unique challenges for commercial trucks. These crossings feature raised grades where roadways meet tracks, creating high-centering hazards for long trailers or heavily loaded trucks. When a truck’s undercarriage contacts the elevated portion, the vehicle can become immobilized on the tracks with a train approaching.

In the JAMS Trucking case, the driver proceeded over the crossing despite carrying nearly 80,000 pounds of cement, causing the trailer to become stuck. The locomotive engineer had insufficient time to stop, resulting in a violent collision. Professional truck drivers and trucking companies must identify these hazardous crossings, assess whether vehicles can safely pass, and take alternative routes when necessary.

Common Causes of Railroad Crossing Truck Accidents

Understanding why these accidents occur is essential for establishing liability. The most common causes include:

Inadequate Driver Training: Trucking companies must provide comprehensive training on navigating elevated and humped crossings. The JAMS Trucking case revealed the company failed to provide this critical training, directly contributing to the accident.

Failure to Assess Crossing Clearance: Drivers must assess whether their vehicle has adequate ground clearance before crossing. This includes considering trailer length, cargo weight, and crossing height.

Ignoring Warning Signs: Many elevated crossings feature warning signs indicating low clearance. When drivers ignore these safety rules, they create dangerous situations.

Poor Route Planning: Trucking companies share responsibility for planning safe routes that avoid hazardous crossings when possible.

Equipment Failures: Mechanical issues such as brake failures or transmission problems can cause trucks to stall on crossings. Regular maintenance is critical.

Distracted or Fatigued Driving: Driver fatigue and distraction remain persistent problems. Drivers who aren’t fully alert may fail to recognize crossing dangers.

Injuries Sustained in Railroad Crossing Truck Accidents

The collision between a freight train and an 18-wheeler creates tremendous forces causing severe injuries. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma ranging from concussions to severe brain injuries causing cognitive impairment and memory loss
• Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Herniated discs, vertebral fractures, and spinal cord damage that can lead to paralysis
• Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones and fractures requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation
• Neck Injuries: Whiplash, disc injuries, and soft tissue damage from sudden deceleration
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression from being unable to prevent a collision
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding from blunt force trauma
• Burn Injuries: Severe burns if the collision results in fire or explosion

These injuries can result in permanent disabilities, chronic pain, and inability to return to work, particularly for railroad workers whose jobs involve physical demands.

Legal Rights of Railroad Workers Injured in Crossing Accidents

Railroad workers injured in truck-train collisions have important protections under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which provides broader rights than workers’ compensation.

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)

FELA allows injured railroad workers to file lawsuits against employers and third parties for negligence. Key aspects include:

Lower Negligence Standard: Workers need only prove that negligence played any part in causing the injury, no matter how small.

Comparative Fault: Even if the worker shares some responsibility, they can still recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault.

Full Compensation: FELA allows complete compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of earning capacity without caps or limitations.

Third-Party Claims: Workers can pursue claims against both the railroad and third parties like trucking companies.

Pursuing Claims Against Trucking Companies

Injured railroad workers can pursue compensation from trucking companies based on:

• Driver negligence in navigating crossings
• Negligent training by the trucking company
• Negligent hiring and supervision
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations

Compensation Available in Railroad Crossing Truck Accident Cases

The recent $1.08 million verdict against JAMS Trucking demonstrates the significant damages recoverable in these cases. Compensation may include:

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: All past, current, and future medical costs including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery, including overtime and bonuses
• Lost Earning Capacity: Compensation if injury prevents returning to railroad work or reduces future earning ability
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for damaged personal property

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and limitations, both past and future
• Mental Anguish: Recovery for emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement: Additional compensation for permanent scarring
• Loss of Consortium: Spousal compensation for loss of companionship and support

Experienced FELA attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and vocational specialists to accurately calculate the full value of claims and ensure fair compensation.

The Legal Process for Railroad Crossing Truck Accident Claims

Immediate Actions After an Accident

Seek Medical Treatment: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate attention, even if injuries seem minor.

Report the Incident: Ensure proper reporting to your employer and document everything.

Preserve Evidence: Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries. Collect witness information.

Contact an Attorney: Time is critical. Early contact ensures evidence preservation and rights protection. Call 713-571-1146 today.

Investigation and Trial

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, including reviewing records, analyzing training materials, examining maintenance records, consulting experts, and interviewing witnesses. In the JAMS Trucking case, our lawyers presented compelling evidence of inadequate training and ignored safety rules, achieving the million-dollar verdict through a four-day trial.

Many cases settle through negotiation, but having experienced trial attorneys prepared to go to court is essential for achieving the best outcome.

Preventing Railroad Crossing Truck Accidents

Trucking companies must provide comprehensive training on elevated crossings, implement thorough route planning, maintain vehicles properly, and enforce federal safety regulations. Drivers must assess crossing clearance, follow warning signs, stop and look before crossing, and choose alternative routes when necessary. Railroads and transportation departments should install adequate warning signs, improve visibility, and grade crossings properly to minimize risks.

Why Choose Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and the Youngdahl Law Firm

Our recent successes—including the $1.08 million verdict against JAMS Trucking and the $1.73 million verdict in May 2025—demonstrate our proven trial experience. We have deep knowledge of FELA and railroad law, understand trucking accident liability and federal regulations, and provide client-centered representation with a no-fee-unless-we-win guarantee. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when necessary to secure fair compensation.

Taking Action After a Railroad Crossing Truck Accident

If you’ve been injured in a railroad crossing truck accident, time is essential. Evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories fade, and legal deadlines must be met. Don’t face the aftermath alone.

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and the Youngdahl Law Firm stand ready to help railroad workers and others injured by preventable trucking accidents. Our experienced trial lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, build a compelling claim, and fight for full compensation.

Call us today at 713-571-1146 for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and legal options. Let us put our proven track record of million-dollar verdicts to work for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Railroad Crossing Truck Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after being injured in a railroad crossing truck accident?

Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. Report the accident to your employer if you’re a railroad worker, document the scene if possible, collect witness information, and contact an experienced FELA attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.

2. How long do I have to file a claim after a railroad crossing truck accident?

FELA claims generally must be filed within three years of the date of injury. However, it’s crucial to contact an attorney much sooner. Evidence can be lost, witnesses can become unavailable, and early investigation is essential to building a strong case. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches to seek legal help.

3. Can I sue the trucking company if I’m a railroad worker injured by one of their trucks?

Yes. As a railroad worker, you can pursue claims against third parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. This includes trucking companies whose drivers caused crossing collisions. You may be able to pursue both a FELA claim against your railroad employer and a negligence claim against the trucking company.

4. What if the trucking company claims their driver wasn’t at fault?

The trucking company and their insurance carrier will often try to deny liability or minimize the driver’s responsibility. This is why thorough investigation and experienced legal representation are essential. In the JAMS Trucking case, our attorneys presented compelling evidence of the driver’s negligence and the company’s failure to provide adequate training, ultimately securing a million-dollar verdict despite the company’s defenses.

5. How much is my railroad crossing truck accident case worth?

Every case is unique, and the value depends on factors including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, and the strength of evidence regarding the trucking company’s negligence. The recent $1.08 million verdict against JAMS Trucking and $1.73 million verdict in another railroad worker case demonstrate the substantial compensation that may be available in these cases.

6. What types of compensation can I recover in a railroad crossing truck accident case?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses (past, current, and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, reduced quality of life, and other damages. Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA allows for full recovery of all these damages without caps or limitations.

7. Do I need to prove that the truck driver was completely at fault?

No. Under FELA, you need only prove that the trucking company’s or driver’s negligence played any part, no matter how small, in causing your injury. Even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you can still recover compensation—your award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is a more favorable standard than typical personal injury cases.

8. What if I can never return to my job as a railroad worker?

If your injuries prevent you from returning to railroad work or significantly reduce your earning capacity, you can recover compensation for this loss of earning capacity. This calculation considers your age, career trajectory, expected future earnings, and the impact of your injury on your ability to work. Economic experts can help establish the full value of this loss.

9. Will my case go to trial, or will it settle?

Many railroad crossing truck accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, some cases require trial when the trucking company or insurance carrier refuses to offer fair compensation. Having attorneys who are experienced trial lawyers and willing to go to court—like our team that successfully tried the JAMS Trucking case—is essential to achieving the best result, whether through settlement or verdict.

10. How can I afford an experienced attorney to handle my railroad crossing truck accident case?

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and the Youngdahl Law Firm work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all case expenses, and our fees are paid as a percentage of your recovery. This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

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Related Resources and Legal Support

For more information about your legal rights and the services we provide, visit these resources:

• Railroad Crossing Collisions – Detailed information about crossing accident cases and legal options
• Railroad Accidents – Comprehensive overview of railroad accident claims and FELA rights
• Railroad Injuries – Information about common injuries sustained by railroad workers and available compensation
• Carryall and Van Accidents – Resources for railroad workers injured in vehicle-related incidents
• FELA Trial Lawyers Home – Learn more about our firm and our commitment to representing injured railroad workers
• Contact Us – Get in touch with our legal team for a free consultation

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t wait to seek legal help. Call us today at 713-571-1146 for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is committed to standing up for railroad workers and others injured by preventable trucking accidents. We’re prepared to go to trial when necessary to achieve justice for our clients.

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and the Youngdahl Law Firm
Phone: 713-571-1146
Serving railroad workers and accident victims throughout Texas and nationwide