Bus and Train Accident Attorney
Millions of people depend on public transportation everyday. Buses and trains are considered inexpensive, convenient and generally safe ways to travel. Buses and trains are not, however, immune to injury accidents. In fact, bus and train accidents are far more common than most people know.
If you have been involved in an accident with a bus or train, the Illinois personal injury attorneys at Ankin Law can help you navigate the legal system.
Table of Contents
Bus Accidents Causes
Buses face some unique hazards on the road because of their size and limited maneuverability. Bus accidents can occur for a number of reasons including:
- Driver error
- Bad weather
- Poor maintenance
- Parts defects
- Road hazards
There are also thousands of school bus accidents each year. These accidents can occur in traffic collisions (school buses are not typically equipped with seat belts) or in boarding/exiting accidents.
Types of Train Accidents
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there is a train accident in the United States approximately once every 2 hours. This startling statistic seems to fly in the face of the common wisdom that trains are a safe mode of transportation. In fact, there are numerous different types of train accidents including:
- Train derailments
- Equipment failure
- Collisions with other trains
- Collisions with passenger vehicles
- Collisions with pedestrians
In 2007, there were a total of 13,067 train related accidents that resulted in 851 deaths and 8,801 injuries according to data collected by the Federal Railroad Administrations’ Office of Safety Analysis. Most of the deaths are a result of trespassing on the railroad tracks, but many occurred in highway railroad crossings. Regardless of where or how they occur, train accidents tend to cause catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus or train accident, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your claim. Our attorneys will evaluate the specifics of your case and counsel you on all possible legal remedies.
What to Do Following a Public Transit Train Accident
Trains and other forms of public transportation allow Chicago area residents and visitors to easily move in and around the city. Unfortunately, train accidents can occur just like with any other mode of transportation and, because of the size of trains and the number of passengers aboard, the injuries are often severe and numerous. In fact, a train crash earlier this week involving two CTA Blue Line trains resulted in 33 injuries.
Train accidents, including derailments, collisions, fires, and crossing accidents can happen for a number of reasons, including driver error and equipment malfunction. Whatever the type or cause, there are certain things that every train passenger needs to know in the event that they are in a train accident.
What to Do Following a Train Accident
1 Listen to all announcements and follow the directions given by the train personnel.
2 Escape the train safely and quickly. Look for an emergency exit or emergency door release switch. If you cannot open the doors, look for an emergency exit window.
3 Contact emergency services and the police when you are out of danger.
4 Seek medical attention. Even if you do not have any noticeable signs of injuries, you may wish to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash and back injuries, can take days and weeks to develop. Retain all copies of medical bills and medical records.
5 Consult with a knowledgeable Chicago train accident attorney, like those at Ankin Law, LLC, as soon as possible. You may be entitled to money damages in a personal injury lawsuit following a train accident. Our attorneys can advise you of your rights, communicate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf to get you the compensation that you need and deserve, including:
1 Past and future medical expenses
2 Lost wages
3 Loss of future income
4 Household services
5 Pain and suffering
6 Loss of enjoyment of life
7 Permanent disability
8 Disfigurement
9 Property damages
Contact a Chicago Injury Lawyer Today
The Chicago train accident lawyers at Ankin Law, LLC are committed to helping the injured passengers of trains and buses obtain full and fair financial recovery after a public transportation accident. Train crashes and other mass transit accidents often involve complex issues regarding liability, and there may be multiple possible defendants. Moreover, because mass transit accidents frequently involve a large number of victims, a class action lawsuit may be appropriate to settle issues of liability and damages. Accordingly, it is important to consult with an attorney who focuses on complex accident and injury cases, as well as class action lawsuits.
At Ankin Law, our experienced Chicago mass transit lawyers focus on representing the victims if train accidents, bus accidents, and other mass transit accidents. We are well-versed in the legal complexities and requirements of class action lawsuits, as well as the complicated factual and legal issues that come into play in a train accident lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping the victims of mass transit accidents obtain full and fair financial recovery.
If you have been injured in a train or bus accident, do not hesitate to contact Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Chicago accident and injury lawyers.
Center:
Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
What Our Clients Say About Us
This is a very good law firm. Being represented by them in a worker’s comp & personal injury case. If there are any issues with dealing with worker’s comp sending benefits payments, they stay on them and make sure that you’re receiving your benefits. Mr. Goldstein and his assistant Alex Quigley are amazing. She has made sure that I’ve received ALL of my benefits and responds to my emails in a timely manner, whenever I have questions or concerns about my case. My attorney Mr. Scott Goldstein is there when I need him to assure me that they have not forgotten about me and continue to push for a resolution of my claim.
