Trains have a heavy presence in Chicago and in the surrounding suburbs because they are regularly used to move both products and people from point to point within the state. Rail transit continues to be a cost-effective means to ship goods from production plants to distribution centers and likely will remain that way for some time in the future. But in addition to goods, which are moved across the country by trains, Chicago also has a large number of passenger trains pass through its boarders every day. Some of these trains travel exclusively within the city’s limits and enable residents and tourists alike to make it around town with ease.
With a large number of trains comes an increase chance of a train accident occurring in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois. Incidents involving trains can be complex and many variables can factor into the ultimate cause of an accident, making it difficult or even impossible in some cases for a victim to understand who was at fault. If you or your loved one has been involved in a single train incident, a train versus car collision, or even a train versus pedestrian crash, know that you may be entitled to a recovery for your losses. These recoveries can help pay for medical bills, compensate you for time missed from work, or even provide payment for wages unable to be earned while recovering from an injury. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer is a good place to start to learn about your legal rights and whether you may have a claim for your losses.
Police have confirmed that a pedestrian was involved in a train accident yesterday afternoon between Palatine and Inverness at approximately 3:30 p.m. The victim, a man believed to be in his 60s, was in the area of Baldwin Road when a Metra train entered the area. According to local officials, Metra train 713 collided with the man for reasons that are not yet clear. Though emergency crews responded the crash, the pedestrian’s injuries were too severe and he died as a result of the accident.
Metra police and other agencies are conducting an investigation into the incident and attempting to determine why the collision occurred and whether negligence on the part of anyone involved played a role. Yesterday’s incident caused at least the train involved to be delayed as the investigation continued.
When a loved one is killed in an accident, it may be difficult to know what to do. If negligence was involved, there may be a possible claim for damages that the survivors of the victim may be entitled to bring in an effort to seek redress for the wrongs done in a collision. Speaking with an injury lawyer may help you understand if a claim is possible following your family member’s accident.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all those affected by an accident deserve a free case consultation and we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to provide you with one. There is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the free consultation and all information discussed will remain confidential. If you believe negligence or a mistake may have claimed your loved one’s life, call us today toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Off Duty Police Officer Killed in Chicago Car Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 14, 2014.
Resource:
Pedestrian dies after being hit by Metra train, Chicago Tribune, published March 16, 2014.