Steps to Take Following a Train Accident

People in Illinois depend on Amtrak, Metra, and Chicago Transit Authority trains to take them around their neighborhoods, across the state, and even into other parts of the country. While trains are certainly a convenient mode of transportation, when they are involved in an accident, the consequences are catastrophic. Due to their very nature, train accidents are serious and are much more likely to result in injuries and wrongful death than crashes involving other types of vehicles. If you have been hurt in a train accident, it is essential that you know the steps to take that will protect your claim.

Follow All Directions

Immediately following a train accident, you will hear instructions if you are a passenger on the train. Carefully listen to and follow all instructions. Move to any emergency exit, door release, or emergency window where you are directed. This will help ensure that you can disembark the train as safely as possible.

Document Everything

Over time, your memories may fade and you may forget important details about the accident scene and even your own injuries. Take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can, particularly in your location. Also take pictures of your injuries as soon as possible to document the severity of them immediately following the crash. Locate any witnesses and ask for their contact information. Write down your experience and the important details you remember as soon as possible. All of this documentation can be used to prove someone else’s negligence when trying to recover damages.

Seek Medical Attention

Train accidents result in some of the most serious injuries and it is critical that you receive medical attention right away so you can receive treatment for them. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a train accident will also help protect your claim. If you do not see a doctor after the crash, the insurance companies involved will likely claim that you were not injured in an effort to deny you the compensation you deserve. Medical reports can help prove the extent of your injuries so you recover the damages necessary to treat them.

Determine How the Accident Happened

In order to claim damages for the accident, you must determine how it happened so you can identify the act of negligence that caused it. Determining liability after a train accident is never easy. Most people find they need to work with a personal injury lawyer who can conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Train accidents sometimes also involve multiple liable parties, making it even more challenging to determine who was at fault.

Call Our Train Accident Lawyers in Streator Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, our Streator train accident lawyers are here to help. At Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., we know how difficult the aftermath of a train accident is, and we want to help you through it by recovering the full settlement you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help.