Public transportation services, such as trains, help reduce traffic congestion, significantly reduce travel time, and provide convenient ways to travel. Many people throughout Chicago and Illinois rely on trains to commute to work or travel out of state. Unfortunately, trains are not immune from risk, and railroad accidents are capable of causing severe injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, you should always seek immediate medical attention and consult with a personal injury attorney. At Kasan Law, our Chicago and Illinois public transportation injury attorneys represent train and railroad accident victims seek compensation for their injuries and damages. Contact Kasan Law’s train and public transportation accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
Illinois has a comprehensive rail network that provides commercial and public transportation services, which includes:
Based on the complexity and various factors involved with a railroad accident, it is crucial to determine the cause of the railroad accident and the party responsible for the victim’s injuries. When a train accident occurs, various parties might be liable for the injuries, such as:
After a railroad accident, possible claimants may include the passengers or individuals on the train, occupants of the vehicle that collided with the train, employees, pedestrians, bicyclists, and a victim’s family members. Kasan Law provides representation for railroad accident victims and their families, including:
Based on the various train providers and purposes, railroad accidents may occur for numerous reasons. While there are many different reasons a railroad accident occurs, some common causes are:
Railroad accidents may occur due to train engineer’s negligence, safety guideline violations, vehicles stalled on the railroad, defective crossings, malfunctioning signals, and various other reasons.
Due to trains’ size, speed, and momentum, railroad accidents are capable of causing severe and devastating injuries. In the event of a railroad accident, victims can sustain many different types of injuries, such as:
When a railroad accident causes you or a loved one to suffer injuries or death, money damages may not seem adequate to compensate for the losses. However, money damages can help reduce financial stress and provide victims and their family the resources to pay for medical treatment and other services.
The types of damages available in each railroad accident depend on the specific facts of the incidents, particular injuries, severity of the injuries, and numerous other factors. Each victim’s injuries are unique, and the recoverable damages will vary and can include:
If a loved one has tragically died in a railroad accident, the victim’s family and survivors might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.
When companies offer transportation services to the public for a fee, such as trains or buses, common carrier laws apply. While it cannot guarantee passenger safety, common carriers are generally held to a higher standard of care to avoid passenger injuries than matters involving traditional negligence. A common carrier owes its passengers the duty to use the highest degree of care in the practical operation of its business.
Unlike claims against a private party, many public transportation accidents involve federal and state agencies. If a government or state entity controls the railroad service, the conditions for taking legal action can be further complicated and more restrictive. There are specific laws that must be strictly complied with to proceed with a lawsuit or claim against any governmental or quasi-governmental agencies in Illinois.
In railroad accidents involving government or state entities, there might be a shorter statute of limitations for filing a claim. This means the lawsuit or claim must be filed sooner than an ordinary injury case against a private party. Additionally, the government or state agency might be afforded immunity and protected from civil liability. If you fail to comply with these regulations, the claim or lawsuit can be dismissed and bar you from recovering damages for any injuries.
At Kasan Law, we take all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any legal fees unless we get you compensation for your case. Our consultations are free and carry no obligations.
As with any personal injury case, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights. If you or a family member has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact our Chicago and Illinois train and public transportation accident attorneys to schedule your free consultation by calling (312) 300-6724, e-mailing us at Info@LawKasan.com, or schedule your consultation online.
