Off The Rails: Commuting Via Train Still Comes with a Risk

 Posted on February 06, 2018 in Train Accidents

In the midst of a winter with incredibly treacherous road conditions, commuters continue to look for alternative means of getting to work. Perhaps no alternative commuting strategy benefits from the dangers of winter driving more than commuter trains. But while commuting via rail is generally thought of as a much safer method of travel in comparison to driving, we have recently seen a number of disturbing crashes nationwide, ultimately resulting in fatalities. If you or a member of your family suffer an injury while riding on a commuter train, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.

Recent Train Crashes Cause Concern

On December 18, 2017 a commuter train in Washington State went off the rails in the South Puget Sound area. The Amtrak train was making its inaugural trip on a new rail line designed to help commuters travel efficiently from Seattle to Portland. The train, traveling at excessive speeds, went off the rails as it approached a curve in the rail line. More than 100 passengers suffered injuries, and three of the passengers were fatally injured.

Just days ago, a passenger train traveling through South Carolina was wrongly diverted onto a side track and collided with a freight train on the tracks. The mistake resulted in a passenger injury count well over 100. Two passengers tragically suffered fatal injuries during the collision.

Train Crashes Throughout Illinois

The latest rail accidents serve as just two examples in a long line of railway accidents nationwide. In the state of Illinois, train crashes have been far less frequent but have still resulted in injuries and fatalities. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 78 passengers suffered injuries while riding trains throughout 2015. Tragically, 10 of those injuries proved fatal.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

It is important to note that commuting via train has proved to be a far safer alternative to commuting via motor vehicle. But, no matter how you commute to work, accidents do happen. With that in mind, dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury to one’s self or to a loved one can be an incredibly traumatic and emotionally trying time in one’s life. If you or a member of your family suffer an injury during your commute to work, contact a knowledgeable Lake County personal injury attorney today.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/12/18/amtrak-train-derails-in-washington-state-rail-cars-fall-onto-interstate-5/?utm_term=.c53be990bee9

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/04/us/amtrak-south-carolina-crash/index.html

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2015%20Crash%20Facts%20with%20cover.pdf