Chicago Train Accident Lawyer

Chicago Train Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Train accidents are more common than people think. In fact, Illinois often rankest among the top states for train accidents.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, in Illinois there are over 175 train accidents and over 40 train related deaths per year. These victims and their families often suffer extreme financial losses and physical hardships due to these accidents.

If you are suffering from injuries due to a Chicago train accident as a passenger, motorist, or pedestrian, the Chicago train accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. is here to help. Our train accident lawyers represent victims who were hurt in crashes involving:

• METRA
• CTA
• Amtrak
• Union Pacific
• Other railroad companies

We also assist employees of railroads who sustain injury on the job. Call us at (312) 924-7575 or fill out online form for a free consultation.

What Are Common Injuries From Chicago Train Accidents?

Chicago train accidents can result in serious injuries such as fractures (broken bones) involving surgical repair, traumatic head injuries, various back & neck injuries, and sometimes wrongful death. A Chicago train accident lawyer will work to help you make a monetary recovery for your injuries and losses. This would include pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of income, disfigurement, loss of normal life, and any other losses.

Types of Train Accidents that Causes Injuries

Train accidents occur in primarily two forms:

1. Accidents between trains
2. Collisions between trains and vehicles on the road

Accidents between trains often receive a lot of publicity. This is because there is always the risk of a large number of injuries or deaths. Passenger trains in Illinois regularly transport hundreds of passengers at a time. Therefore, a crash between two of these trains can put many people at risk, not to mention those who are not on the train but in the area of a collision.

In crashes between trains, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault or whether multiple mistakes led to the accident. For example:

• A conductor not stopping at a signal.
• A controller directing two trains on the same tracks at the same time.
• Switching problems that make it impossible for trains to take separate tracks, resulting in two trains sharing a track at the same time.
• Single train accidents, sometimes due to a defect in the train line itself. For example, the use of substandard materials during construction, like substandard steel. When inferior products are used, a train is at a greater risk for derailment, which places every passenger in harm’s way.

Illinois Train Accidents involving Cars

Trains in Illinois can be involved in accidents with motor vehicles as well.

These usually happen at crossings where trains and cars both use the same section of a road. These crossings are controlled by signals and many have gates that lower to prevent cars from accidentally driving into the path of a train. But not all of the crossings are well controlled, and those that are sometimes have malfunctions.

When this happens, it is possible for a car to cross railroad tracks at the same time an oncoming train will use the tracks, causing a collision between the train and vehicle. These crashes are very serious and usually result in injuries or death to the occupants of the car. The passengers on a train can be hurt as well, especially if the train brakes hard to avoid the crash or derails after impact.

With dozens of players involved and hundreds of ways a train accident can occur, it is not surprising that these claims can be difficult.

In addition, train employees have special protections under the law. The Federal Employees Liability Act, commonly known as FELA, can provide an avenue for an injured worker to recover for any railway-related damages. These employees may have a claim under the law as well as a claim against an at-fault individual so that multiple claims may actually exist.

Contact and Experienced Chicago Train Crash Attorney

Train accidents often are severe and cause serious injury or death to dozens or even hundreds of passengers at a time. Further, those in vehicles that are hit by trains are at a high risk for physical injuries and harm after an impact. Regardless of whether you were a passenger in a train or in a vehicle, if you have been involved in an accident with a train, you may be entitled to a financial recovery for your damages.

A personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether you have a claim and what damages you may be able to recover, including payment for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other expenses you were forced to incur. With the facts of each accident and each injury varying from one another, it is a good idea to speak with a lawyer to receive advice specific to your case.

Abels & Annes, P.C. has represented many clients in which their injuries we a result of a train accident. Our Chicago train accident lawyers are here to help you. Our law firm has succeeded in resolving several train accident cases; we are always here to fight for your rights and make sure that the liable party's insurance company pays you good compensation for your injuries.

Our practice focuses on the rights of injured victims and those victims are the only people we represent. We only handle personal injury claims and we focus all of our time on fighting for the rights of those who are hurt at the hands of another. When you work with the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C., you get a dedicated legal team who will work tirelessly to get you the recovery you deserve.

If you have been injured in a train accident, request a Free Case Consultation or call (312) 924-7575 to speak with a lawyer now.

For more information specifically on METRA accidents, click here or the link below.

• Metra Accidents