The Danger of Train Accidents in the U.S.

 Posted on March 21, 2019 in Train Accidents

Here in the Chicago metropolitan area, thousands of commuters utilize public transportation to get to and from work each day. Chicago is home to an intricate rail system with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Amtrak, and Metra trains. While trains are one of the safest public transit systems in the United States, accidents do occur.

According to statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), 864 Americans were fatally injured in train accidents in 2017, while thousands of others were injured, many severely. If you or a loved one are injured in a train accident, you may be entitled to injury compensation. 

Types of Train Accidents 

Average trains can weigh anywhere from 1,500 to 6,000 tons. Due to the size of most trains, collisions can be devastating. Listed below are some of the common forms of train collisions:

Train and Car Accident

Throughout the country, it is not uncommon for trains to collide with automobiles. In 2017, nearly 300 Americans were killed after their motor vehicle was struck by a train. According to the FRA, the sheer force of a train hitting a standard automobile is the equivalent of your car colliding with a soda can. It should come as no surprise that most vehicular occupants that are struck by a train suffer severe or fatal injuries. 

Train Derailment 

A derailment is when a train runs off its tracks. Derailments can result in serious injuries to train passengers. In many cases, derailments are caused by operational error, train malfunction, or improperly maintained sections of rail. 

Colliding Trains 

The most destructive type of train collision is when two trains crash into each other. Train-on-train collisions are only possible through some form of negligent oversight. Head-on train collisions can lead to explosions or derailment. When a head-on train collision occurs, the injury toll is often in the hundreds.

Contact a Plainfield, IL Train Accident Lawyer

Recovering from injuries suffered in a train accident can be a physically and emotionally traumatic process. High-speed rail injuries can range from broken bones to severe brain trauma. Serious injuries can result in the loss of work hours, long-term physical pain, and costly medical bills. In many cases, train companies will look to avoid paying full injury compensation to victims involved in the collision. With years of legal experience in the state of Illinois, Attorney Daniel Flaherty and Flaherty Law, LLC are ready to secure the financial award you and your family deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a Will County personal injury attorney, contact us today at 815-577-7500. 

Sources:

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