Articles Posted in Train Accident

Metra trains serve a vital role for tens of thousands of people who live in the Chicago suburbs but commute to the city for work. They are also a convenient means of transportation for those who live in the city and commute outside of the city’s limits or for those who occasionally travel between Chicago and its outskirts. When thinking about the congestion that plagues the local expressways, it is an easy decision for many to use a Metra train instead of trying to drive themselves.

However, not everything associated with Metra transit is positive and at times, those in Illinois are left to wonder how the positives and the negatives compare. While the availability of public transportation is a huge benefit, the downside of train accidents and train-related injuries cannot be avoided. Far too often, another train crash between a Metra vehicle and a passenger car makes news and more often than not, those in the passenger car suffer from harm or even the loss of their lives.

Continue reading

Threats are everywhere in our modern society. It is a sad reality that you can become the victim of negligence at any time, whether it takes the form of a car accident, slip-and-fall incident, or even on-the-job work injury. However, not everyone is at the same risk for the same types of injuries and those who reside in Illinois may be surprised to know that the odds they will be involved in a train accident may be higher than some of their friends living in other states.

Train traffic is high, especially in the Chicago area where commuter trains and commercial trains fight for space at the same terminals. This means that the trains must cross paths with one another on the rails and also must cross paths with passenger vehicles at designated grade crossings. Trains also encounter pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists with some regularity at these groups must cross the same areas though should not do so at the same time.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Illinois experienced 140 train collisions in 2015, making it the state with the third highest number of train accidents. Those collisions resulted in 24 deaths and 79 injuries in the same year which means that these incidents are affecting far more than just the trains themselves. Rather, victims and their loved ones, family members, friends, and coworkers all feel the fallout from train accidents in Illinois. Some losses are so great that victims will never fully recover.

Continue reading

Trains present a unique issue to the safety of those in the Chicago area. While many utilize the CTA elevated trains, and others use Amtrak or Metra to commute longer distances, some avoid trains in their entirety and see them only from a distance. Yet regardless of your level of use, trains present an issue to your personal safety in the city.

When a train accident happens, it can involve a single train, multiple trains, a train and one or more cars, or even a train and a pedestrian. As a result, anyone – not only those who ride a train – can be the victim of a train incident in Illinois.

Recent years have seen terrifying and deadly train derailments and collisions including an Amtrak derailment last year that killed eight and injured more than 200 people. Faced with earlier accidents that were claiming lives, the U.S. Congress passed legislation in 2008 that required positive train control, or PTC, on all trains that operate on tracks which service passenger trains. As passenger trains often travel over leased tracks as opposed to tracks that they own outright, this means that a very high percentage of the nation’s tracks will fall under this new legislation.

Continue reading

Trains can vary in length, weight, and design and each change in a train can have a significant result in the way in which the train travels. Since trains vary with their speed and their cargo as well, the results of a train accident can vary substantially from one incident to another. Add in other factors like a secondary vehicle that may be involved, the location of a train crash, and any factors beyond the control of the conductor and the variation in collisions is astounding.

One thing that remains relatively constant among these collisions is the damage that results. Because it is difficult and time-consuming to slow or stop a train, many impacts cause extensive damage to the train and/or other vehicles involved, often leading to injuries among victims and in some cases, causing death. The fallout from train crashes in the Chicago area can have such a substantial toll that there are numerous laws in place specifically to protect the victims of these incidents.
Continue reading

In 2013, there were 76 train accidents within the state of Illinois alone. That breaks down to a collision involving a train almost every five days with a large number of those incidents occurring in the greater Chicago area. The threat posed by a crash cannot be overstated because of the high risk of serious, even fatal injuries should an accident occur. While a train incident may involve only one or more trains, they often involve a passenger car, truck, or even a pedestrian, meaning that even those who never ride aboard a train can still be at risk for train-related injuries.

When a smaller vehicle or a pedestrian is involved in a collision with a train, injuries are nearly guaranteed and, unfortunately, death is a real possibility for those involved. Following an accident, the victims of that crash are often unaware of what legal options may exist for them and whether they have any protections under the laws of Chicago and/or Illinois, but fortunately, help can be obtained. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can enable those who are hurt to realize whether they have a valid civil claim for their suffering, a type of legal action that may entitle them to financial payment for their injuries. From the medical expenses they incur to the lost wages they missed while off work to the inconvenience and pain they experience, these claims can right some of the wrong done when a crash happens and is the fault of another person or company. As each accident is unique, it is always wise to get the proper information as it applies to your case if you have been hurt.
Continue reading

To many, trains seem like a peaceful way to travel. Their large size and controlled route make the idea of an accident or other kind of transit-related incident seem unlikely in the minds of many as they pass the time on board a train. But unfortunately, thousands of train accidents happen in this country every year and many of them occur in large, urban settings like Chicago. The increased population in these areas means an increased chance of a train system existing, heavier use of that system, and a resulting increase in the possibilities of an accident.

The victims of these crashes often bear no blame in the incident as the majority of victims are the passengers themselves. But regardless of their position within the train, these victims may be left injured and may be in need of medical assistance for weeks, months, or even years to come. In the worst train incidents, one or more individuals may be killed and their families may never be able to heal from that loss. When a train accident happens in Chicago, nothing can erase the suffering experienced by the victims and the family members of those who are hurt or killed, yet relief may be possible to help ease the suffering. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights if a collision has affected your life or has taken your loved one away from you.
Continue reading

When thinking about a train accident in the Chicago area, many people visualize an incident where one train strikes another, causing a crash that affects those passengers on board the trains as well as any employees that may be working. But the possibilities that exist with train accidents is much broader than simply a crash between trains and in many cases will involve a small passenger vehicle like a car. A collision between a car and a train means that the train will almost always suffer the majority of the physical damage because of the large and heavy nature of a train and it also means that people in the car as well as those on the train may be injured.

Train crashes can produce a number of legal consequences that only compound if a victim is injured or killed. In many cases, those who are hurt are entitled to bring a legal claim for their injuries and may be able to recover financial compensation for their losses, including any pain and suffering they may endure. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in the Chicago area may help you understand your rights and options if a collision has affected your life or if your loved one has been hurt due to an accident with a train.

One person’s life ended abruptly yesterday when a collision between a truck and an Amtrak train occurred in Illinois, leaving that victim dead and causing significant damage to both vehicles. The crash happened in Alton, which is just outside of St. Louis, and took place at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The train reportedly was traveling between Texas and Chicago and was near its destination when the collision occurred. Though officials for Amtrak and local police were on the scene, the cause of the collision has not been released at this time but it has been reported that the crash happened at a marked crossing that was outfitted with gates and crossing lights. The victim that was killed was in the truck and may have been the only occupant. None of the people on board the train reported any injuries and none needed to be removed from the scene for medical purposes.
Continue reading

The CTA, the major public transit system within the city of Chicago, provides rides to approximately three million people every year. Split primarily between a system of trains and buses, these riders embark on a journey from Point A to Point B and likely give little thought to their personal safety. The reasons are obvious: when you take public transit, you relinquish control of your trip to another, and you place your trust in that other to act in your best interests, following the rules and putting passenger safety first.

Despite these expectations, many collisions involving CTA vehicles happen every year in the city. Some are minor and those involved escape injuries; yet others are severe or even fatal and can change the lives of those involved forever, no matter what happens afterwards. Train accidents can be devastating to those passengers on board, employees working for the CTA, anyone in a car involved in the crash, or a pedestrian who may be struck. Of these, pedestrian accidents are almost always the worst as there is nothing to protect a person from the full impact of a crash. Many victims are left with injuries that will plague them for the remainder of their lives and others are killed in these crashes, permanently altering the lives of their friends, family members, and coworkers who remain.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning, a pedestrian at or near the Argyle CTA red line station was struck by a train in the area, causing extreme damages that led to the pedestrian losing his life. At this time, it is not clear what led to the impact between the pedestrian and the train but officials have been able to confirm that it was a northbound train involved in the crash. Red line service was stopped temporarily in the area as authorities responded to the scene and began an investigation.

The victim survived the incident initially and was taken by ambulance to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for emergency treatment, but despite the best efforts of physicians, the man, described as a 31-year-old, died from the injuries sustained in the crash.
Continue reading

Metra operates 11 different train lines in the greater Chicago area, including the Union Pacific North, Milwaukee District North, North Central Service, Union Pacific Northwest, Milwaukee District West, Union Pacific West, BNSF Railway, Heritage Corridor, SouthWest Service, Rock Island District, and Metra Electric District. When numbers between these lines are combined, hundreds of thousands of commuters and travelers use Metra regularly. The busiest line, BNSF, serves more than 60,000 passengers each weekday. In addition to those who use Metra, many other encounter the company as they drive across Metra train tracks, walk in the vicinity of a station, or otherwise interaction with the train company.

Metra enables many of those who live in surrounding suburbs to work in Chicago and vice versa without adding to the congestion of the expressways that circle the city. Train travel can be beneficial for riders in other ways as it enables them to engage in other activities that would be prohibited while driving, like reading or working. Plus, many Metra stations are located in convenient areas to those who utilize the services. While there are many benefits associated with commuter train travel in the Chicago area, there are some unfortunate drawbacks including train accidents and collisions. These incidents may involve multiple trains, a train and a passenger vehicle, or even a train and a pedestrian. Regardless, the outcome of these crashes often is devastating because a large, heavy train tends to cause destruction of anything in its path.

Victims of train accidents in Chicago and across Illinois may not realize what options are available to them and whether they can get help for their damages. Speaking to a personal injury attorney in the city may help you learn about the legal implications of your accident and whether you can obtain relief for losses including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Authorities have confirmed a tragic collision between a Metra train and a pedestrian early this morning in Oak Forest. The incident took place shortly after midnight near 159th Street and Cicero Avenue and involved a train on Metra’s Rock Island District line. The pedestrian, described only as a female, was killed in the accident due to the injuries she sustained.

The cause of the crash has not been confirmed at this time but officials did state that the train, which was on its way to Joliet, was halted at the scene while an initial investigation took place. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Continue reading

Trains travel on fixed routes along tracks that crisscross the country and Illinois is no exception. Chicago has long been considered a national hub for train traffic and to this day continues to host many types of trains, from passenger cars like the CTA and Metra to freight trains and cargo trains to national carriers like Amtrak. These trains run daily and take passengers or goods from one point to another, easing traffic that would otherwise congest the already congested roadways.

While the routes may be limited, it is not a guarantee that accidents will not occur. In fact, approximately 175 train collisions take place in Illinois every year and many of them cause injuries. When a passenger train is involved, there are dozens or even thousands of potential victims who may sustain injuries ranging from bumps and bruises to broken bones or even death.

Train accidents can be complex and difficult to sort through for many reasons. For one, train collision can involve several types of vehicles. Some involve one train derailing or otherwise coming into dangerous conditions while others involve crashes between trains. In still other collisions, a car, bus, or van may be involved in a collision with a train while in Chicago, train versus semi-truck accidents happen every year. Unfortunately, there are also incidents where pedestrians and cyclists are injured in train collisions. With so many types of potential accidents, it is no wonder that victims may be left confused by their legal options. But speaking with a personal injury attorney may help you sort through the complexities to help you understand if you have a valid claim.

Yesterday, a train accident in River Grove set back schedules for much of the day and had a significant effect on some commuter traffic. According to officials, a train collided with an unoccupied car that was stopped on the tracks, leading to a collision that halted all traffic in the area. Officials investigated at the scene and the tracks were cleared, allowing train traffic to be restored later in the day.

There has been no official word yet on why the train and the empty car collided or why they were on the same track at the same time but several agencies are still reviewing the facts of this collision.
Continue reading