If you’ve been hurt in a train accident in Chicago, you need strong legal help. Train crashes often cause serious injuries that change lives forever. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, we fight for victims of train accidents throughout Chicago. Call us for a free consultation at (312) 957-4166. We charge no lawyer fees until we win for you.
Chicago Train System and Accident Risks
Chicago’s extensive rail network includes CTA trains, Metra lines, Amtrak, and freight carriers. With so many trains running daily, accidents happen more often than you might think. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that Illinois had over 64 train accidents in 2023, resulting in 5 deaths and 26 injured people.
Chicago has one of America’s busiest rail systems. The city’s trains carry over 750,000 riders each day on the CTA alone. This heavy traffic creates risks for passengers, workers, pedestrians, and drivers.
Common train accidents in Chicago include:
- Derailments when trains leave the tracks
- Collisions with other trains or vehicles
- Platform accidents involving boarding or exiting
- Crossing accidents at intersections
- Pedestrian strikes in rail areas
- Equipment failures causing sudden stops
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Illinois had 102 highway-rail crossing collisions in 2023, most of them involving crashes with automobiles.
Understanding Train Accident Laws in Illinois
Train accident claims involve complex legal considerations:
Statute of limitations: In Illinois, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. For crashes involving government entities like the CTA, notice requirements may be as short as one year.
Common carrier status: Trains that transport passengers are considered “common carriers” under Illinois law. This means they have a higher duty of care toward their passengers than ordinary businesses.
Federal regulations: The Federal Railroad Administration and other federal agencies set safety standards for railroads. Violations of these standards can be evidence of negligence.
FELA claims: Railroad workers injured on the job are covered by the Federal Employers Liability Act rather than workers’ compensation.
Common Train Accident Injuries
Train accident injuries are often severe because of the massive size and force of trains. These accidents can cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Amputations
- Burns from fires or electrical issues
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD.
The medical costs for these injuries can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many victims need ongoing care for years.
Who’s Responsible for Chicago Train Accidents?
Determining who’s responsible for a train accident requires thorough investigation. Possible liable parties include:
- Transit authorities (CTA, Metra, Amtrak)
- Train operators and engineers
- Maintenance companies
- Track owners and managers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Other vehicles involved in the accident.
Train companies and transit authorities have teams of lawyers working to limit their liability. You need equal legal power on your side to level the playing field.
Your Rights After a Train Accident
If you’re hurt in a train accident, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of normal life.
Train accident injuries often result in disabling or catastrophic injuries. According to the National Safety Council, such severe injuries cost $167,000 on average, accounting for medical bills and lost wages.
Time Limits for Train Accident Claims
You must act quickly after a train accident. Different rules apply depending on who’s responsible:
- Private companies: Generally 2-year deadline
- Government agencies like CTA: Often just 1 year to file a formal notice
- Amtrak claims: Special federal rules may apply.
Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation forever.
How Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Train Accident
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the knowledge and resources to handle complex train accident cases.
Our approach includes:
Thorough investigation: We work to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible. This may involve reviewing video footage, obtaining maintenance records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with railway safety experts.
Identifying all responsible parties: Train accident liability can involve multiple entities, such as:
- Railway companies (Amtrak, Metra, freight companies)
- The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Track owners and maintenance companies
- Equipment manufacturers
- Government entities.
Calculating full damages: We help quantify all your losses, including future medical needs and diminished earning capacity.
Expert negotiation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to deal with large insurance companies.
Trial-readiness: When reasonable settlement offers don’t materialize, we stand ready to pursue your case through litigation.
Our legal team handles all types of train accident cases, including:
Derailments: When trains leave the tracks, often causing multiple injuries. The Federal Railroad Administration reports that there were 793 train derailments on major railroads (Class 1) in the United States in 2024 alone.
Collisions with vehicles: Accidents at railway crossings can be deadly. The Illinois Department of Transportation recorded 64 vehicle-train collisions in 2023 alone.
Pedestrian accidents: These often occur at crossings or when people trespass on railroad property.
CTA and Metra incidents: Accidents involving Chicago’s public transportation system, including boarding or exiting injuries and sudden stops.
Railroad worker injuries: Cases falling under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Matthew Willens: Train Accident Attorney in Chicago
Attorney Matthew Willens brings over 30 years of personal injury experience to every case. His in-depth knowledge of railway regulations and proven track record have earned him recognition as one of Chicago’s top personal injury lawyers. Mr. Willens has secured multiple multi-million dollar settlements for accident victims.
Compensation Available for Train Accident Victims
Victims of train accidents may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for families who have lost loved ones.
According to a Federal Railroad Administration analysis, the average economic cost of a serious train accident can very well exceed over $150,000 per injured person, not including pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Train Accident
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay.
- Report the accident to train personnel.
- Get names and contact information from witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible.
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies.
- Contact a train accident lawyer quickly.
Following these steps helps protect your health and legal rights.
Chicago Train Accident FAQs
Q: How much is my train accident case worth?
A: Each case is unique. The value depends on how badly you’re hurt, your medical costs, lost income, and how the injury affects your life. Our attorneys will give you a fair assessment based on the details of your accident.
Q: What timeframe should I expect for resolving my train accident claim?
A: Each case is unique. Simple cases might settle in months, while complex ones involving multiple parties could take one to two years, especially if they go to trial.
Q: Is compensation possible when I share some responsibility for the accident?
A: Yes. Illinois operates under “comparative negligence” principles, allowing you to obtain damages despite having partial responsibility, provided you’re not 50% liable or more. The settlement amount will decrease proportionally to your assigned fault percentage.
Q: What if the accident involved the CTA or Metra?
A: Claims against government entities like the CTA have special requirements and shorter deadlines. Our attorneys understand these unique rules and will make sure all proper procedures are followed.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Train Accident Case
Our firm stands apart because:
- We have recovered millions for train accident victims.
- We offer personalized attention from experienced attorneys.
- You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We have access to top railway safety experts.
- We understand both state and federal railway laws.
Contact Chicago’s Top-Rated Train Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a train accident, don’t wait to get help from Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, recognized as one of Chicago’s leading personal injury firms. Attorney Matthew Willens is rated among the “Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyers” and has been instrumental in securing numerous million-dollar recoveries, including a record-breaking $15.8 million verdict that was recognized as one of the National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts.
Contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers by phone at (312) 957-4166 to arrange a complimentary consultation without any commitment. Our dedicated team will come to you if needed, and we charge no fees unless we win your case. Let our award-winning attorneys put their proven track record to work for you and your family.
