Our Illinois Train Accident Attorneys Will Fight For You

Illinois is at the center of Amtrak’s national passenger rail system, and these trains are helpful in getting from one place to another. Unfortunately, trains can become involved in an accident just as cars can, and these collisions result in some of the most serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been involved in a train accident, it is critical to speak to an Illinois train accident lawyer. An attorney will advise on your case, accurately evaluate your claim, and help you secure the fair settlement you deserve.

Causes of Train Accidents

Any careless act can result in a train accident, including operator inattention, excessive speed, defective equipment, and a lack of proper training. In Illinois, the vast majority of train accidents are caused by the negligent behavior of the people responsible for running, managing, and operating the trains. However, some train accidents are also caused by defective equipment. Although many of the causes of train accidents are similar to car accidents on the road, crashes involving a train are somewhat unique.

Train operators and other personnel who work on and around trains often become very tired. These individuals spend long hours on the job, and fatigue can slow their reaction time and impair their judgment. In the worst cases, train operators and other workers may even fall asleep on the job. State and federal regulations dictate the amount of time these workers can spend on the job, but not all individuals comply with these rules.

Drivers on the road may also cause a train accident. They may attempt to make it across a rail crossing before the arms are fully engaged, and end up colliding with a train. Many train crossings are also in rural areas, and due to the fact that they are rarely used, they are not properly maintained. This can also result in a train crash.

Common Injuries Resulting From Train Accidents

Trains are much heavier and much larger than other vehicles. They also take an extremely long time to slow down and come to a full stop. These factors not only contribute to the amount of train accidents, but they also result in much more serious injuries incurred during a crash. Some of the most common injuries accident victims sustain in train accidents include:

• Broken ribs
• Multiple broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries and other types of head trauma
• Blunt trauma injuries
• Wrongful death

The injuries that result from a train accident are not always due to the initial collision. Sometimes, passengers are thrown from the train cars, which can result in other injuries such as road rash and resulting infection. Crushing injuries are also common when passengers are thrown in the path of other drivers.

Our Illinois Train Accident Lawyers Can Advise on Your Case

Train accidents are some of the most serious in Illinois, and they also happen more often than people think. If you have been hurt in a crash, our McHenry County train accident lawyers at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., can help you claim the compensation you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.