HOUSTON – A train conductor is suing for injuries she received after a train she was aboard collided with an 18-wheeler stopped on the tracks.
Seeking damages in excess of $1 million, Sara Lyles filed suit against Pallet Ops and Pallet Ops-San Antonio on July 15 in Harris County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, on Dec. 21, 2018, Lyles, a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad, was aboard a train passing through Leggett, Texas. A driver for Pallet Ops, which owns and operates commercial vehicles that transport pallets throughout Texas, was operating an 18-wheeler in the area on the day in question.
“Defendants’ vehicle attempted to cross the tracks, but inexplicably stopped on the tracks,” the suit states. “As the train was traveling along the tracks, Defendants’ vehicle was blocking the tracks. This resulted in a violent collision between the tractor-trailer and Plaintiff’s engine.”
The incident caused serious injuries to Lyles, including injuries to her shoulder, arm and neck.
She asserts the defendants owed a duty of reasonable care to her.
Lyles is alleging gross negligence and is suing for punitive damages.
She also seeks damages for her past and future loss of wages, impairment, medical care and disfigurement.
She is represented by Andrew Dao, Tony Buzbee and Cornelia Brandfield Harvey, attorneys for The Buzbee Law Firm.
Houston attorney Michael Herzik also represents her.