Major delays are expected for trains near Chicago after an Amtrak train accident occurred Saturday night. According to an Amtrak spokeswoman, Chelsea Kopta, Amtrak train 383 collided with a BNSF welding truck at approximately 6:35 p.m. The collision happened in Lisle, Illinois as the train was en route to Quincy. Fortunately, none of the 114 passengers or the three crew members onboard the train were injured. The truck had been parked near the train tracks while two workers were making repairs. The workers suffered injuries and were transported to a Downer’s Grove hospital. Local authorities are attempting to determine the cause for the accident and the Federal Railroad Administration is expected to join the investigation.
Train accidents are one of the less common types of accidents. Nevertheless, railroad accidents can have catastrophic results due to the train weighing hundreds of tons and traveling at a high rate of speed. Train conductor errors, defective equipment, lack of safety devices, and distracted operators are a few causes of railroad accidents. Many railroad accidents occur at crossings where there are inadequate warning devices and signals to indicate a passing train. In that situation, the railroad company may be responsible for the accident. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a railroad accident, it is imperative to consult an experienced attorney to determine if you are entitled to compensation.
At Meyerkord & Kurth, our personal injury attorneys will analyze all aspects of your accident to determine the cause and party responsible. We will work to recover compensation for your suffering, expenses related to medical treatment and lost wages, as well as the emotional trauma you have suffered. Contact our St. Louis railroad accident attorneys today for a free no-obligation consultation.