A catastrophic collision between a train and an 18-wheeler has led to a lawsuit filed by two injured railroad workers. Plaintiffs Brandon Turner and Colton Hickey filed the complaint in Harris County District Court on September 4, 2024, against Rig Runners, LLC and Union Pacific Railroad Company.
The incident at the heart of this case occurred on May 25, 2024. Turner and Hickey were working as an engineer and conductor, respectively, for Union Pacific Railroad Company when their locomotive collided with an 18-wheeler operated by Rig Runners near Jonesville, Texas. The plaintiffs allege that the collision was caused by the negligent actions of Rig Runners' employee who failed to yield at a railroad crossing, resulting in severe injuries to both Turner and Hickey.
According to the complaint, "RIG RUNNERS’ operator negligently pulled the 18-wheeler onto the railroad crossing and into the path of Union Pacific’s train causing a collision." The plaintiffs assert that Rig Runners violated several federal regulations including those under 49 C.F.R. §§ 382-7 and 390- relating to motor carrier safety standards. They also claim violations of Texas Transportation Code §§ 545.251 and 545.252 which contributed to negligence per se.
The lawsuit further accuses Union Pacific Railroad Company of failing to provide a safe working environment as mandated under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). The plaintiffs argue that Union Pacific's negligence includes inadequate training on how to handle grade crossing collisions, failure to warn of known dangers, improper safety procedures, and failure to inspect tracks for hazardous conditions. These failures allegedly played a role in causing the injuries sustained by Turner and Hickey.
The plaintiffs are seeking substantial compensation for their injuries. Each plaintiff demands monetary relief exceeding $1 million for physical pain, mental anguish, lost earnings, loss of future earning capacity, medical expenses, disfigurement, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, they seek punitive damages against Rig Runners for what they describe as "grossly negligent" conduct showing a conscious disregard for their safety.
Representing Turner and Hickey are attorneys Michael Patrick Doyle from Doyle Dennis Avery LLP along with Sara Youngdahl from The Youngdahl Law Firm P.C. The case is being overseen by Judge Gerardo Perez in Harris County District Court under Case ID: 2024-59042.