Train accidents can cause serious injuries, and those who are injured can face a lifetime of consequences. From bone fractures to severe burns, and from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries, the effects of being involved in a train accident can be devastating, and those who have been harmed deserve to receive just compensation.
Our firm is dedicated to representing individuals who have been seriously injured and families who have lost loved ones in train accidents. With offices in downtown Chicago, we represent clients throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. With decades of experience, we understand what it means to suffer catastrophic injuries or a tragic loss in a major collision. If you need to speak with a lawyer, you can contact us 24/7, and we will make arrangements for you to meet with one of our experienced train accident attorneys as soon as possible.
Experienced Representation for Victims of All Types of Train Accidents in Chicago
Our attorneys represent clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims against all commuter, commercial, metro rail, and subway train operators in the Chicago area. This includes cases involving:
- Amtrak train accidents
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) subway train accidents (the “L” train)
- BNSF Railway accidents
- Metra commuter railroad accidents
- South Shore Line train accidents
- Union Pacific North train accidents
- Union Pacific Northwest accidents
A train accident will typically result in injuries in one of three ways: (i) a train passenger will be injured, (ii) a motorist will be injured in a collision with a train, or (iii) a train will strike a bicyclist or pedestrian. In all three scenarios, the railroad is typically to blame, and securing just compensation is a matter of collecting the evidence needed to prove the railroad operator’s liability. As a result, it is important for victims and their families to seek legal representation as soon as possible, so that key evidence can be collected before it disappears.
When we represent victims of train accidents in Chicago, we work quickly to make sure our clients have the opportunity to recover maximum compensation. We can send a team of investigators to the site of the accident immediately, and we can help you get the medical treatment you need from a trustworthy physician. We can also help you deal with your employer, deal with your bill collectors and avoid critical mistakes that could jeopardize your recovery, and we will be with you every step of the way until you decide to accept an insurance settlement or the judge reads a verdict at trial.
Common Factors in Railroad Accidents
Just like motor vehicle collisions, train accidents can result from a variety of different factors. In our experience, some of the most-common factors leading to railroad crashes include:
- Mechanical failures
- Railroad track maintenance issues and defects
- Speeding trains
- Train conductor inattention, fatigue and distractions
- Trail derailments
- Unsafe railroad crossings (including missing or inoperative gates and signals)
Regardless of what happened, we will get to the bottom of your accident. We will aggressively represent you in all communications with the railroad’s insurance company and defense lawyers, and we will make sure you do not fall victim to their tactics and unknowingly settle for less than you deserve.
Q&A with Chicago Train Accident Attorney Larry Jackowiak
Q: What should I do after being involved in a train accident?
Whether you were a passenger on the train or you were hit at a train crossing, the most important thing you can do is to seek prompt medical attention. If you have not yet seen a doctor, you should schedule an appointment immediately, or go to the emergency room if necessary. If you are currently receiving treatment, make sure you follow your doctor’s advice, and contact our offices to learn about the next steps involved in pursuing your claim.
Q: Will I be considered at fault if I was on the tracks when I got hit?
If you were hit at a train crossing (whether as a motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian), or if your loved one was killed at a crossing, chances are that the railroad is to blame. Railroad crossings are extremely dangerous, and railroad operators are subject to strict duties to protect against the risk of crossing accidents. Numerous factors could have potentially been involved, and you should not question your judgment or make any assumptions about your case until you speak with an experienced attorney.
Q: What types of injuries are eligible for financial compensation?
All train accident-related injuries are eligible for financial compensation. You are entitled to coverage for all of your accident-related medical expenses, including your emergency room costs and the costs for your ongoing medical care. The long-term costs of treating accident-related injuries can be substantial, and you need to make sure you have the financial resources you need to cover your medical expenses in the years (or decades) to come.
Q: What other losses can I recover through my train accident claim?
In addition to your current and future medical expenses, as a train accident victim or someone who has lost a loved one in a train accident, you are entitled to compensation for all of your accident-related losses. This includes financial and non-financial losses such as:
- Prescription costs and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship, support, services and enjoyment of life
Q: How do I know if I should speak with an attorney?
If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a train accident, you should speak with an attorney. It is that simple. At Jackowiak Law Offices, we offer free and confidential consultations, and we are more than happy to help you understand your claim for financial compensation.
Schedule a Free Train Accident Consultation
If you would like more information about seeking financial compensation after a train accident in Chicago, please contact us to schedule a consultation. The consultation is free and confidential, and you pay nothing until we win. To request an appointment with one of our dedicated train accident attorneys, please call (312) 795-9595 or tell us about your situation online today.
