Harvard, IL (August 29, 2024) – A man suffered serious injuries when a freight train struck his car early Thursday morning, August 28, in Harvard.
The crash happened at approximately 2:24 a.m., about a quarter mile north of the McGuire Road railroad crossing, according to the Harvard Fire Protection District.
Fire crews arrived to find the vehicle engulfed in flames on a curve in the tracks. They discovered the driver roughly 20 feet away in a nearby ravine. Paramedics rushed him to a Rockford hospital for treatment of severe injuries.
Authorities reported that the train involved was a northbound Union Pacific freight carrying five cars. The train did not derail, and no crew members were hurt. The vehicle was removed, and the tracks reopened around 5:30 a.m.
Metra police are handling the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Our thoughts are with the injured man, and we hope for his full recovery.
Train Accidents in Illinois
Train accidents are less common than car crashes, but when they happen, the results can be devastating. A collision between a train and a car often causes severe injuries because of the size and power of the train.
Even when a train is moving slowly, the force behind it can destroy a vehicle and put the driver’s life at risk.
In Illinois, train crossings are part of daily travel for many communities. Drivers may face long waits at crossings, and sometimes accidents occur when vehicles stall, misjudge the speed of a train, or end up on the tracks.
While freight trains are necessary for transporting goods, they also present serious dangers for anyone caught in their path.
Victims of train accidents may face long hospital stays, painful recovery, and financial stress. These crashes often lead to high medical costs, time away from work, and lasting injuries. In some cases, victims may also suffer emotional trauma after such a frightening event.
Some common damages that may be recovered after a serious train accident include:
- Medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident and injuries
- Costs of rehabilitation or long-term therapy
When a train accident happens, victims should speak with a skilled train accidents attorney. A lawyer can investigate the details, determine who is responsible, and fight for the compensation needed to rebuild a life after such a serious crash.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a train accident in Illinois, we encourage you to reach out for help.
At Ankin Law, we understand the challenges families face after devastating accidents. We know how to guide you through the legal process and pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact Ankin Law today at (844) 600-0000 for a free consultation. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
