Railroad accidents

Although American society has long embraced the era of the personal automobile, railroad systems remain an important and efficient mode of transportation for people and goods. Of course, trains are extremely powerful and complex machines capable of handling heavy duty hauling at high speeds. It should come as no surprise that they require intensive training to operate, as well as diligent maintenance to run safely and smoothly.

When trains crash—for whatever reason—they can cause catastrophic damage and severe injury to those involved. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a railroad accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and other damages you suffer. The Chicago train accident attorneys of the Blumenshine Law Group are qualified to handle your case and ready to help you seek justice.

Types of railroad accidents in Chicago

The most common types of railroad accidents include trains colliding with other trains, trains colliding with other vehicles, and single train accidents. Numerous factors may contribute to a railroad accident. In general, the most common factors that cause or contribute to train accidents include the following:

• Driver negligence
• Train derailment or other issues involving the tracks
• Mechanical failure
• Absent or inadequate railroad crossing protection or warnings

At the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), its Office of Safety Analysis reports that human factors are responsible for about 38 percent of railroad accidents, while track defects result in nearly 35 percent. Of the other common factors, equipment defects lead to just over 12 percent of train accidents, and signal defects cause almost 2 percent. Other miscellaneous factors cause between 12 and 13 percent of railroad accidents. Furthermore, the FRA reports that over half of all railroad accidents occur at unprotected crossings and more than 80 percent of railroad crossings lack the proper warning systems.

How can a lawyer help you?

Railroad accident cases tend to be complicated, involving exhaustive investigations and a significant amount of time. It is important that you choose a reliable Chicago FELA lawyer. An experienced and skilled attorney can determine the cause of your accident and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Get compensated fairly for your railroad accident injuries

Our Chicago injury lawyers at the Blumenshine Law Group understand the issues unique to railroad accident cases, and work tirelessly to advocate for clients. If you or someone you love has been injured in a train accident, we can offer you unparalleled help and support.

For a free consultation about your railroad accident injury case, contact our firm today. We serve clients in Cook County and throughout Illinois.