A train collision with an 18-wheeler car hauler at the intersection of Schertz Parkway and FM 78 in Schertz, Texas, resulted in significant traffic disruptions on Sunday morning, November 2, 2025. The Schertz Police Department received notification of the incident at approximately 10:12 a.m., when a westbound train struck a car hauler that had been stopped on the south side of the railroad tracks. Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, where they determined that fortunately, no injuries were reported and the train remained on its tracks without derailing. The collision prompted immediate road closures at multiple intersections along FM 78, with authorities initially estimating closures would last five to six hours. The Schertz Police Department later updated that while the FM 3009/FM 78 intersection has since reopened, the FM 78/Schertz Parkway intersection requires an extended closure of approximately 24 hours to allow Union Pacific to complete necessary repairs to the damaged railroad crossing. The incident remains under active investigation by the Schertz Police Department in collaboration with Union Pacific and various state and federal agencies.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at a critical railroad crossing where Schertz Parkway intersects with FM 78, a major thoroughfare in Schertz, located in the northeastern San Antonio metropolitan area. FM 78 serves as a vital corridor connecting Schertz with San Antonio and neighboring communities, carrying substantial commercial and residential traffic daily. The railroad crossing at this location is part of Union Pacific's extensive rail network that runs through Central Texas, serving freight operations throughout the region. The intersection's proximity to FM 3009 creates a particularly busy traffic zone that serves both local residents and through-traffic. Railroad crossings in this area are equipped with standard warning devices including gates and signals, though the specific circumstances of why the car hauler was stopped on the tracks at the time of impact remains part of the ongoing investigation.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code, both railroad companies and motor carriers have specific obligations regarding railroad crossing safety. Railroad crossing accidents involving commercial vehicles may involve multiple liable parties, including the trucking company, railroad operator, and potentially third-party maintenance contractors. Texas law provides injured parties with a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, though property damage claims must typically be filed within two years as well. While this incident fortunately resulted in no reported injuries, similar accidents can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in commercial vehicle cases, potential loss of livelihood. Commercial vehicle accidents involving railroads often require investigation of Federal Railroad Administration regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance, Hours of Service logs, and maintenance records. Individuals involved in railroad crossing accidents should document the scene thoroughly, preserve all evidence, and consult with legal counsel experienced in both railroad and trucking liability cases.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Schertz Police Department: (210) 619-1200
• Schertz Fire Department: (210) 619-1080
• Universal City Emergency Services: (210) 659-0333

Traffic and Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) San Antonio District: (210) 615-5800
• TxDOT Real-Time Traffic Information: www.drivetexas.org
• Union Pacific Railroad Emergency Hotline: 1-888-877-7267

Support and Legal Resources:

• Texas Department of Insurance: 1-800-252-3439
• Federal Railroad Administration Regional Office: (816) 329-3840
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-252-9690
• Texas Motor Transportation Association: (512) 478-2541

Regulatory Information:

• Texas Transportation Code: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm
• Federal Railroad Administration Safety Regulations: https://www.fra.dot.gov/
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/