Drivers must use extra caution around railway crossings in San Antonio.
Vehicle Hit by Train, Driver Walks Away Uninjured on the South Side
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a driver was unharmed after a train hit her vehicle on the South Side.¹
SAFD reported the accident happened at around 11:09 p.m. Wednesday, September 10th, at a rail crossing on the corner of South Presa Street and East Southcross Blvd. The driver told first responders she was driving across the tracks when the arms came down. She attempted to reverse, but her vehicle was struck by the train.
Fortunately, she was evaluated at the scene and found to be unharmed. The crash is under investigation.
Did You Know?
In Texas, it is illegal to cross railroad tracks when a train is visible or to drive around gates that have already been lowered.²
Rail Crossing Safety in Texas
Texas has more rail crossings than any other state in the country, with thousands of trains passing through every day. Most of the time, drivers navigate these crossings without issue — but when something goes wrong, the results can be devastating. Train-versus-vehicle collisions are especially dangerous because of the sheer size and weight of freight trains. A fully loaded train can take over a mile to stop, which means even if an engineer spots a vehicle on the tracks, it’s often too late to prevent impact.
For drivers, knowing what to do after an accident at a crossing is critical. Because trains operate under both state and federal regulations, these accidents often involve multiple agencies and require thorough investigation.
Common Causes of Train-Vehicle Accidents
Some of the most common causes of rail crossing crashes include:
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Ignoring crossing signals – Driving around lowered gates or ignoring flashing red lights.
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Blocked visibility – Trees, buildings, or poor sign placement can make it harder to see an oncoming train.
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Malfunctioning equipment – Crossing arms or signals that don’t work properly leave drivers vulnerable.
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Driver error – Misjudging a train’s speed or getting stuck on the tracks.
Who May Be Liable After a Train Accident?
Determining liability in rail accidents can be complicated. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on one or more parties:
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Drivers who ignore signals or attempt to beat the train may be held responsible.
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Railroad companies may be liable if warning systems malfunction, equipment was not maintained, or vegetation blocked visibility.
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Local governments could share responsibility if poor roadway design or lack of signage contributed to the crash.
Each case requires careful investigation to determine whether negligence played a role.
Safety Tips for Drivers
While no one expects to get hit by a train, drivers can lower their risks by practicing safe habits at crossings:
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Never drive around lowered gates. Wait until they rise and lights stop flashing.
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Always look both ways. Not every crossing has lights or arms.
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Stay alert. Avoid distractions when approaching tracks.
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Do not stop on the tracks. Make sure there’s room to clear the crossing before driving over.
Even small decisions — like slowing down earlier or waiting an extra minute — can prevent a tragedy.
Injured in a Train Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
Although this South Side crash ended without injuries, not all families are as fortunate. Train-versus-vehicle collisions are often devastating, and when negligence is involved, victims may have the right to pursue compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a railroad crossing anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency Treatment
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ER Care
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Medical Bills
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Lost Wages
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Pain and Suffering
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Wrongful Death
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And More
We’ll help you find out if you have a case — for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas. No fees, no obligations, just the expert advice you need when you need it most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.