Despite the improvements to the overall safety of trains and railroads, catastrophic injuries and death still occur. Amtrak trains are considered one of the safest modes of travel, yet the number of deaths in 2020 was 757 and nonfatal accidents totaled 5,479.
New federal laws, which include automatic braking, a public education program, and Positive Train Control (PTC) that uses sophisticated technology, have helped reduce the number of accidents, so why do they still happen? Accidents occur for two reasons: unsafe conditions and human error.
Despite all the attempts at safety, train tracks still buckle, signal lights malfunction and train personnel make mistakes. Many accidents take place at railroad crossings or are due to broken rails or faulty welding issues, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Other causes are faulty inspections, mechanical failure, speeding, signal failure, and a distracted train engineer.
Failure to provide safe intersections and upgrades and the elimination of grade crossings between humans and huge, high-speed trains must be addressed and improvements made to make our transportation industry safer.
Because of the weight and speed of trains, injuries are often severe. Among the most common are bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burn injuries, crushed limbs, and shock. Many of these injuries require surgery followed by years of therapy, rehabilitation, and treatment. If you or a loved one has experienced significant harm from a train accident, it’s important to understand your legal options. With the help of an experienced brain and Chicago spinal cord injury attorney, you may be able to receive compensation for damages that cover your medical expenses, lost future earnings, and more.
The victims of a train accident may need years of medical treatment for their physical injuries and emotional trauma and for the loss of future income. Filing a claim against a train company can be a daunting task because they have lawyers ready to fight against compensating you. Enlist the help of the experienced Chicago train accident attorneys at Smith LaCien LLP today.
Common at-fault parties for train accidents include train operators, the train company, and vehicle drivers. An attorney will help you determine the cause of the accident and who is legally liable. Our Chicago car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand how to work with insurance companies. When the railroad or insurance company offers less than what you deserve, an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer will fight for the highest outcome possible.
The statute of limitations in Illinois is two years. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait. Call our office in Chicago today at (312) 509-8900 to schedule a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form.