Train Accidents in the U.S. Not Uncommon

 Posted on February 15, 2019 in Train Accidents

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 1,000 Americans are killed in train-related accidents every year. For those who live in the greater Chicago area, train accidents are a somewhat regular occurrence. In January, a 96-year-old woman narrowly avoided severe or fatal injuries when her vehicle was struck by a Metra train. Fortunately, the elderly driver was saved by two good samaritans and a Lombard police officer. Sadly, many people are not as fortunate in train collisions. If a member of your family was injured in a train-related collision, seek legal assistance immediately. 

Types of Train Accidents

Train collisions are usually devastating regardless of how they occur. Listed below are the most common forms of train collisions. 

Train on Train Collisions: If two trains collide on the tracks, the results can be disastrous. Due to the sheer mass and speed of trains, the vast majority of train on train collisions result in severe injuries or fatalities. In most cases, train on train collisions occur due to the negligent communication of a train operator or a malfunctioning railroad system. 

Train and Car Collisions: Crashes between a train and motor vehicle are often fatal for those in the car. In 2017, there were over 2,000 train and car collisions, resulting in 274 fatalities. These crashes can result due to faulty warning equipment and train operator error. Fortunately, due to increased safety regulations, collisions between trains and vehicles have dropped by 83 percent since 1972.  

Derailment: Some of the most deadly train accidents are derailments, which occur when a train runs off the rails. Derailment can be caused by a collision with an object, poorly maintained stretches of rail or operational error. Derailments can cause injuries to dozens of passengers, damage to property, and the spilling of hazardous materials. 

Contact a Waukegan Train Accident Lawyer 

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our legal team is fully aware of just how difficult it can be to physically and emotionally heal from a motor vehicle collision. Train related-accidents routinely result in severe and chronic injuries. If this happened to you or your loved one, our team is ready to secure the injury compensation you deserve. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://abc7chicago.com/woman-96-rescued-from-car-seconds-before-metra-train-hits/5083362/

https://oli.org/about-us/news/collisions-casulties

https://oli.org/about-us/news/statistics/frasite