Accidents involving trains are rare but often devastating.
Tractor-Trailer Hauling Ambulances Hit by Train in Schertz
According to a News4SanAntonio report, an 18-wheeler was struck by a train in Schertz on Monday afternoon.¹
Police reported the accident happened at around 2:27 p.m. at the railroad crossing near the intersection of Schertz Parkway and FM 78.
Schertz police said they were first notified that an 18-wheeler had become stuck on the tracks. About one minute later, they received another call reporting that the train had collided with the truck. The driver was able to get out of the vehicle before impact and was not injured. The train did not derail.
The intersection remains closed while crews repair damaged crossing barriers. No injuries were reported. State and federal authorities are investigating the incident.
Did You Know?
In 2024, 115 crashes across Texas were caused by drivers failing to stop for a train, according to TxDOT data.²
Accidents at Rail Crossings in Texas: Who’s to Blame?
Railroad crossings are among the most dangerous intersections on Texas roadways. Trains cannot stop or swerve quickly, and when a vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks, drivers often have very little time to react.
When a crash happens at a rail crossing, determining who is responsible depends on why the vehicle ended up on the tracks and whether reasonable care was used.
Why Rail Crossing Accidents Are So Dangerous
Even when warning systems are working properly, rail crossings carry inherent risks. Trains may take a mile or more to come to a complete stop, and large vehicles often need extra time to clear the tracks.
These accidents are especially dangerous because:
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Trains cannot brake or maneuver quickly
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Vehicles can get stuck on uneven or elevated tracks
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Drivers may misjudge a train’s speed or distance
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Commercial trucks need more clearance and longer reaction times
Once a train is close, avoiding impact may be impossible.
Common Causes of Rail Crossing Accidents
Rail crossing crashes don’t all happen for the same reason. Some involve driver error, while others point to problems with infrastructure or planning.
Common contributing factors include:
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Ignoring or misjudging flashing lights or crossing gates
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Vehicles becoming stuck due to low ground clearance
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Poor road design or uneven track surfaces
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Malfunctioning warning signals or barriers
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Improper routing of oversized or commercial vehicles
Each of these factors can affect who may be held responsible.
Is the Driver Always at Fault?
No. While drivers are required to yield to trains, fault is not automatic. Investigators look at whether other failures contributed to the situation.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may involve:
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A trucking company that failed to plan a safe route
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A railroad company responsible for maintaining warning systems
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A government entity responsible for road design or maintenance
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Equipment failures involving gates, lights, or signals
In some cases, more than one party may share liability.
Commercial Vehicles Face Added Risk
Large trucks hauling heavy or specialized cargo face higher risks at rail crossings. These vehicles require more time to clear tracks and are more likely to get stuck if crossings are poorly designed or inadequately marked.
Proper route planning, load awareness, and infrastructure maintenance all play a role in preventing these crashes.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Rail Crossing Accident
Even if no one is injured, rail crossing incidents should be taken seriously. If your vehicle becomes stuck or is struck by a train:
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Call 911 immediately
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Exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so and move away from the tracks
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Report the incident to authorities
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Document the scene if possible
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Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before understanding your rights
Rail crossing accidents often involve detailed investigations and multiple agencies.
Injured in a Rail Crossing Accident? Call Shaw.
Railroad crossing accidents can involve complex liability issues, especially when commercial vehicles, railroad companies, or government entities are involved. If you were injured or suffered losses in a rail crossing accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical bills and follow-up care
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Property damage or total vehicle loss
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Lost wages or business interruptions
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And more
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced Texas injury lawyer. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.