Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
The personal injury attorneys at The Collins Law Firm are representing a passenger injured in the recent CTA train crash in Chicago and preparing to file a case against the Chicago Transit Authority.
CTA Train Crash Sends 23 Passengers to the Hospital
The CTA train crash—which occurred when a Yellow Line train struck a CTA snow plow train doing scheduled training in the Howard rail yard– injured 38 people and was the largest train crash in decades. This tragic and unexpected crash sent 23 people to the hospital, including three in serious condition. Commuter train crashes like this are relatively rare, but when they do happen, they can injure or kill dozens of passengers. After a crash like the one in Chicago, the injured victims will need an experienced train accident attorney to safeguard their legal rights.
CTA, Metra, and Amtrak are the most well-known trains in the Chicago area. However, Illinois’ train system is much larger than that. Illinois has 41 railroads currently operating, with about 9,982 miles of railroad tracks. When you compare those numbers with the fact that, on average, a train accident occurs every 3 hours in the United States, you may feel a little uneasy. Most of those accidents, however, involve freight trains moving at low speeds and do not result in serious injuries. By contrast, passenger trains travel much faster and do not require any special protection–such as seatbelts– for passengers. So, when a passenger or commuter train is involved in a crash, it can result in severe, life-threatening or catastrophic injuries. Having an experienced train accident attorney from the Collins Law Firm will help to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve if you are injured in a train accident.
What Causes a Train Accident?
There are many factors that can cause a train accident. Lack of maintenance, driver error, track issues, signal error, pedestrian crossings, cars stopped on tracks, speeding, and train derailment are the most common causes. In many of these cases, the train company is at fault. By law, it’s their responsibility to keep passengers safe. So, when they fail to do so, they can be held liable. At The Collins Law Firm, we will take all the steps necessary to determine who was responsible for your train accident and to build the strongest case for you.
Common Injuries After a Train Accident
Serious train accidents, whether caused by a derailment, collisions with vehicles or other trains, or pedestrian incidents, can result in severe injuries to passengers. Some of the common injuries observed in train accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries, from mild concussions to more severe injuries causing permanent impairments requiring lifelong care.
- Spinal cord injuries, including nerve damage and paralysis. Spinal injuries often necessitate multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
- Broken bones
- Significant lacerations or abrasions
- Severe burns, scarring, or disfigurement
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
How Do Common Carrier Laws Affect Liability in a Train Accident?
Common Carrier Laws apply to any company that transports goods or people for a fee, including trains, buses, and planes. These laws require railroad companies to provide the highest degree of care and vigilance to prevent any harm coming to their passengers. Properly hiring and training employees and regular train inspections and repairs are just a few examples of what is expected of railroad companies. If a railroad is negligent and fails to prioritize the safety of the people they are transporting–as required by Common Carrier Laws–it can be held responsible for any losses or injuries that result. When that happens, the Collins Law Firm is prepared to step in and handle the process of building your case and getting you the compensation you deserve, while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Why You Should Choose the Collins Law Firm for Your Train Accident Claim
At The Collins Law Firm, we have been representing injured plaintiffs just like you for nearly 30 years. Our accident attorneys are experienced with handling train accident cases and committed to fighting for you. You can trust that we will vigorously advocate for you, protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you receive full compensation from those responsible for your injuries. From investigating the factors leading to the train accident to compiling evidence and seeking assistance from reputable experts, we will be actively involved in every step of the process to safeguard your interests. Most importantly, we will not rest until you get the justice you deserve. Fill out our contact form or call us at (630) 527-1595 for a free consultation to discuss your train accident claim today.