METRA Train Accidents

The Metra train system is considered a convenient commuter train for travelers in Chicago. Whether passengers are traveling one-way or round-trip to work or just everyday travel, there is a lot of transportation activity going on in the railways.

When you hear a Metra train accident broadcasted in news reports, it isn’t an unusual occurrence. Train accidents occur unexpectedly, not just on Metra train lines. In the United States alone, train accidents happen every three hours. Compared to air travel and traveling by automobile one would assume that train travel is one of the safest forms of travel. Traveling by train is still considered one of the safest. But, when things get out of control and human error or negligence takes place, train accidents can cause serious injuries and even wrongful death.

Poor weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, snow and extremely high winds can cause accidents easily, but the majority of train accidents occur because of human error. There are numerous reasons why train accidents occur. Believe it or not, most train accidents are preventable. Here are a more common causes of train accidents:

• poor equipment maintenance
• platform accidents
• mechanical failure
• fires caused by train sparks
• railroad track failure
• excessive loads of cargo

Have you or a loved one been severely injured in a train accident? If you’ve been injured in a Metra train accident or if a loved one has died, contact Anzalone Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation at: 603.548.3797. We represent victims of Metra train accidents. We also represent injured victims of other train accidents, such as Amtrak. Our personal injury attorney will fight for your right to receive full compensation for your injuries.

Train derailments aren’t the only type of train accidents. Other types of train accidents include, unprotected railroad crossings, crashes with other vehicles, crashes with other trains and pedestrian injuries.

Train companies are required by law to make sure that every passenger who steps foot onto a train is safe from harm. So, the moment you enter into a train station, platform or the actual train car, the train company is responsible for your safety. This also includes exiting a train or train station property.

Examples of defective components include trains with damaged seats and broken train doors. Poorly fitted supports and sharp protruding objects. As a result, passengers run the risk of experiencing a variety of injuries, such as fractured bones.

Spilled coffee (and other liquids), garbage, food and even defective paving can easily cause a passenger to slip and fall. When spilled liquid isn’t cleaned up thoroughly, this can also cause problems.

When luggage and other items aren’t properly sealed or held in a train storage space, it can cause luggage to fall out and injure passengers easily.

If you’ve been injured in a train accident, contact us to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your claim and see if you have a case.

Interesting Train Fact: Did you know that there are more than 130,000 miles worth of railroad tracks in the USA?