Our Chicago train accident attorneys were discouraged to learn of yet another fatal train accident in the Chicago area. This most recent train wreck occurred when a dump truck carrying a load of concrete struck was struck by a Metra passenger train traveling between the Mount Prospect and Cumberland Stations. At the time of the accident, the train was traveling fifty miles per hour.
It appears this latest derailment was not a case of malfunctioning or disabled warning signs. According to reports, the warning signals were flashing, the crossing gates were down, and a no-turn signal was illuminated.
This week’s train wreck, which led to a derailment and many serious injuries to the train’s passengers, appears to have been the result of irresponsible driving. The driver of the truck, who had more than fifty previous traffic citations, allegedly was trying to go around the already-lowered crossing gates and “beat” the oncoming train.
The result was, of course, disastrous. The truck struck the train. The driver himself lost his life, the train was partially derailed, a fire was started underneath the train, and many of the train’s passengers were injured. Although fortunately none of the passenger injuries were life-threatening, twenty-nine were injured, with nineteen taken to the hospital for treatment. Our experienced Metra train injury lawyers understand that the consequences of the accident could have been far worse.
We encourage all members of the public — pedestrians and drivers — to obey all railroad crossing warnings. In this instance, it appears that this tragedy could have been avoided by heeding those warnings. We also call on the railroad and train operators (CTA, Metra, Union Pacific, and others) and manufacturers to ensure that all railroad crossings have proper warning devices installed, and that all railroad equipment is functioning properly. Our attorneys understand deeply the consequences when those duties are neglected.
For a free consultation with an experienced Illinois train crash lawyer at Passen Law Group, call us at (312) 527-4500.
