If you have been involved in a train accident in Chicago, it is important to seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Train accidents can be complex, and the laws governing them are different from those for other types of accidents. Each experienced Chicago train accident lawyer on our personal injury legal team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is familiar with these laws and will be able to help you navigate the legal process.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Train Accidents?
Determining liability in train accidents requires thorough investigation by Chicago train accident lawyers. It may involve train operators, manufacturers, or municipalities.
Our train accident lawyers carefully analyze every aspect of your case to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the justice and fair compensation you deserve.
What Companies Operate Trains in Chicago?
Train service is provided by:
The Chicago Transit Authority
The CTA provides extensive public transport services, mostly passenger trains, with roughly 1.6 million weekday rides across Chicago.
The CTA is a railroad company that maintains and performs regular maintenance on 224.1 miles of railroad tracks, a railroad crossing network of 20 crossings, 1,480 rail cars that operate on eight routes, and serve 145 stations.
Accidents involving CTA vehicles present unique legal challenges, like specific deadlines and government immunity. Skilled Chicago train accident attorneys who know these details can manage claims against the CTA.
Metra trains serve commuters in Chicago and its suburbs. It has an average of approximately 300 weekday trains serving about 100 communities.
Is the national intercity passenger train service of the United States, operating more than 300 trains daily to over 500 destinations.
Who Are Victims of Chicago Train Accidents?
Train accident victims include:
- Passengers in a Metra commuter train accident or in train derailments
- Pedestrians and motorists struck on train tracks at a railroad crossings
- Employees of the City of Chicago or other municipalities
- Injured railroad workers injured at work covered by the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)
When train accidents happen, suffering from injuries or fatalities can be devastating.
With vast knowledge of railroad accident laws—including FELA for employees, railroad worker injuries and personal injury claims—we’re committed to helping our clients obtain maximum compensation.
There’s a Limited Time to Act After Train Accidents in Chicago
Generally, you have two years from the date of the railway accident to file a lawsuit against train company for personal injury or wrongful death.
If you are filing a lawsuit against a government entity when you have been injured in a train crash, you may have even shorter deadlines to file a claim so it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
What Damages Might Train Accident Victims Receive?
Damages in train accident cases include both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
Economic losses have direct financial values:
- Medical costs and medical bills for physical injuries
- Rehabilitation
- Mental health counseling
- Property damage costs
- Lost income and lost wages
- Lost benefits, tips, and bonuses
Non-Economic Damages
Your non-economic damages relate to other aspects of your accident such as:
Will I Have to Go to Court for My Train Accident Case?
Filing a lawsuit for personal injury claims and going to court do not appeal to a lot of people. However, keep in mind that most cases never make it to the courtroom according to the American Bar Association (ABA). A Chicago railroad accident lawyer from our law firm will do everything possible to resolve your serious injury case at the negotiating table.
If this doesn’t work out, don’t worry. We will handle everything involved with your train accident lawsuit if it goes to court.
How Much Is My Train Accident Claim Worth?
There is often no public information available from railroad accidents to calculate an average settlement amount. So, the value of railroad accident cases and your individual potential settlement will depend on the specifics of your situation, such as the severity of your injuries and missed time from work due to the railroad accident. A conversation with our experienced train accident lawyers can give you an estimate of what you might be eligible to receive.
Settlements for FELA claims by railroad employees or train employees are also different from personal injury cases for other injured victims.
How The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Railroad companies and the train you were riding when you were injured are often owned and operated by a government agency. The City of Chicago will have lawyers ready to contest your case and dispute your account of events. While healing from serious injuries, you may not be in a position to represent yourself against the railroad industry to prove railroad negligence.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
We will protect your rights and work diligently for maximum, full and fair compensation for your injuries.
(312) 223-1700