CHICAGO TRAIN ACCIDENT LAWYER

In 2020 alone, there have been 8,558 train accidents in the United States that resulted in 5,402 injuries and 783 deaths. This leaves thousands of victims and families of victims suffering from the physical and mental trauma of an accident. Because of these unfortunate statistics, a Chicago train accident lawyer at Curcio Law Offices wants to fight for you. You deserve to recover damages for your pain and serious injuries. We can help you do that. Call us today at 312-321-1111 for a free consultation.

Types of Train Accidents

While this form of transportation is one of the safest ways to travel, no form of transportation is completely shielded from a serious accident.

The most common types of railroad accidents include derailments and trains colliding with:

• Other trains
• Vehicles crossing the tracks
• Derailments
• Bicycles
• Pedestrians

The most common type of accident is a train on vehicle collision which generally happens at railroad crossings. In fact, there are approximately 6,000 train on vehicle collisions every year in the United States according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

The most common railroad accidents are actually crossing accidents. These occur when a train strikes a vehicle crossing the railroad tracks.

What Causes Chicago Train Accidents?

There are countless causes of railroad accidents. The most common causes are operator negligence, track problems, no warning signals, defective warning signals, obstructive view of railroad crossings, stalled vehicles, distractions, and faulty equipment.

Operator Negligence

If train operators travel faster than their speed limit, if they fail to use the proper alarms at crossings, of if they fail to see other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians in their path, accidents occur. Train accident cases typically involve a host of negligence, creating the perfect storm for the accident to occur. These errors include but aren’t limited to: poor training, fatigue, inexperience, mental disorders, or reckless behavior. Human error, in general, will generally qualify for a negligence lawsuit.

Problems With the Track

Train tracks sustain gradual wear and tear due to decades of use. This wear and tear can lead to serious accidents if gone unchecked. Broken and buckled tracks specifically can cause train derailments.

Unprotected Railroad Crossings

Approximately 50% of the 129,500 crossings have automatic warning signals, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. And, most of the 80,500 private highway-grade crossings don’t have automatic warning signals. If inadequate signage exists or if the railroad crossing has a poor design, the railroad company may be held liable for injuries.

Defective Warning Signals

If warning signals, such as lights or crossing arms don’t work properly or if the railroad crossing isn’t properly maintained, the railroad company may also be liable.

Obstructed View of Railroad Crossings

Overgrown vegetation can hide tracks or warning signals entirely. Unmaintained railroad crossings will eventually lead to serious injuries. It’s imperative that railroad companies spend time ensuring these areas are safe, and when they don’t, they neglect the duty of reasonable care.

Distractions

Distracted driving by both drivers and conductors can cause a railroad accident. Common distractions can include texting, talking on the phone, talking to a passenger, etc. Distracted driving can certainly cause a driver to not see railroad tracks or warning signals. Similarly, distractions can cause conductors to not see oncoming cars at railroad crossings.

Faulty Equipment

Faulty equipment and mechanical defects such as, worn out railroad tracks, couplings, switches, broken wheels, brake failure, and various axel defects can prevent trains from stopping on time or cause a derailment.

In some cases a manufacturer may be held liable for defective parts.