Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
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.
Train accidents can affect passengers, employees, and others on board but they can also hurt drivers and pedestrians near the tracks. If a collision with a train has left you injured or has claimed the life of your loved one, know that you have legal options that may entitle you to relief and that you may be able to obtain help.
The injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. fight for the rights of those who have been hurt and if an accident has left you injured, we want to fight for you. We offer a free case consultation without obligation to those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and everything discussed during the consultation will be kept confidential.
If you have been injured and if you are looking for answers, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Staying Safe During Holiday Travel, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 18, 2014.
Resource:
Metra train fatally hits pedestrian in Oak Forest, by Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune, published December 19, 2014.