Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Train accidents pose a significant threat to those in Chicago, even if they may not realize it. When considering train incidents, many may picture two trains colliding or a single train derailing, but in Illinois, these are just two of many types of accidents that occur. Trains can strike cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, especially at crossings where a train is at street level. Some of the most devastating accidents take place when a train collides with a pedestrian or a bicyclist as these victims almost always sustain injuries. The worst situations may claim the life of one or more people involved.
The truth is that anyone can be involved in a train accident in Chicago, including passengers and the employees on the train but also including others who are in the area. When these victims are injured, they can incur medical and surgical expense as well as being forced to miss time from work. While nothing can remove these injuries once they have occurred, victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses through the use of a civil claim. This type of relief is authorized by state law but the claims must be brought within a specified time period, so if you have been injured, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn about your rights and your options for help.
On Tuesday morning, an 11-year-old boy was hit by a train in Blue Island, south of Chicago, and sustained unspecified injuries. The incident occurred shortly after 7:00 a.m. near the Burr Oak Metra train. Officials for the train and local police are looking into the incident but have not revealed why the collision occurred. At this time, they believe the boy was running along a sidewalk on Winchester Avenue which happens to be next to the train tracks, but they have not said what caused the train to strike the boy.
The boy was transported to an area hospital where reports are that he is recovering at this time. Traffic in the area, including train traffic, was delayed for some time as authorities cleared the scene and investigated before service resumed in full later in the morning.
Train accidents unfortunately plague Chicago and the rest of Illinois annually, and too often, victims are injured. When a victim is a child, the result is distressing for the entire community, including that child’s family members, friends, and classmates.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have represented numerous train victims over the years and if you or your loved one has been hurt, we want to help you as well. We offer a free case consultation to all those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day.
If a collision has affected your life, make sure you know your legal rights and your options. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Car Rear-Ends CTA Bus in Chicago, Injuring 2, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 2, 2014.
Resource:
Boy, 11, ‘convalescing’ after being struck by Metra train in Blue Island, by Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, published December 2, 2014.