As the fourth-largest rapid-transit system in the country, Chicago’s “L” system serves millions of travelers each year. Still, it’s just one of the major public transit trains serving the greater Chicagoland area. With so many passengers, a Chicago train accident can be a thousand times more devastating than a car crash.

If you’ve been hurt in a light rail accident, talk to an experienced Chicago train accident lawyer as soon as possible. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has a strong history of litigating complex train accident claims and extensive resources to help support your legal interests. We offer free consultations, so please call us at (800) 985-1819 today.

chicago train accident lawyer

Our firm has been trusted in Chicago for over 100 years

Few personal injury law firms in Chicago have the honor of celebrating their 100th anniversary, but that’s what Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates did in 2024. Our firm’s Chicago train accident injury attorneys have fought for injured victims and their families for three generations against corporate injustices and insurance giants.

Beginning with Jacob W. Horwitz’s pioneering efforts, the firm has grown to include over 20 attorneys and has recovered a staggering $1 billion in settlements and jury awards for our clients.

As locals, we know the Chicago courtrooms and our homes. We represent people like you, our friends and neighbors, with the personalized advice and client-focused service you deserve. Our legal team is committed to using our experience to protect the rights of Illinois families for generations to come.

Your rights as an injured train passenger in Chicago

Right to seek compensation: You are entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries and any financial losses you’ve incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Right to identify liable parties: You can hold accountable any responsible parties, such as the train operator, maintenance personnel, or the train company (e.g., the Chicago Transit Authority), for failing to provide a safe environment.
Right to file a personal injury claim: As an injured passenger, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the responsible parties to recover damages. This may include entities responsible for maintenance, operation, and employee training.
Right to protection under public entity laws: When dealing with public entities like the CTA, you have the right to follow a specific claims process designed for governmental bodies. This includes shorter filing deadlines, which are typically one year from the date of the incident.
Right to legal representation: You have the right to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the complex legal process, help gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation.

We work hard to recover maximum compensation in your train accident case

Plaintiffs in train accident claims are entitled to compensation for material and non-material losses. We pursue the full value of these and, where necessary, punitive damages.

Economic damages cover your out-of-pocket losses, such as:

  • All necessary medical care (including future medical needs)
  • Prescription medications
  • Rehabilitative therapy, including physical or occupational therapy
  • Durable medical equipment, like wheelchairs or vision or hearing support
  • Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a new disability
  • Lost wages from time missed at work, even if you used your sick leave or PTO
  • Loss of earning potential if you are injured to the point where you  cannot work again or can no longer continue in your present job
  • Property damage, including repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle

Non-economic damages cover the intangible, yet still valuable, losses train accident victims suffer, like:

  • Pain and suffering from your injuries
  • Emotional trauma and mental anguish from the event
  • Diminished enjoyment of life
  • Loss of capabilities, scarring, disfigurement, and disability

Punitive damages are a third type of damages available to train accident victims. Also referred to as “exemplary damages,” punitive damages punish the defendant for egregious negligence, recklessness, or disregard for the safety of others.

Punitive damages are only secured if we win at trial. A judge and jury may award the punitive damages we ask for or another amount if they agree with our assessment of the defendant’s actions. If we settle your claim out of court, it’s unlikely that we will secure punitive damages on your behalf.

Comprehensive legal services from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

Our firm offers comprehensive legal support led by a skilled Chicago train accident attorney. We have extensive resources, access to the best expert witnesses and economic experts, and a dedicated research and investigation team to build a strong case. We are uniquely positioned to litigate complex train accident claims with multiple defendants.

Investigation and evidence-gathering

Because our opponents are often powerful train operating companies, or even the Chicago government itself, we must build a case built on solid evidence. We interview witnesses, analyze video footage or photographs of the incident, and review the essential data from the train’s Event Data Recorder or “black box.” We also subpoena safety and maintenance records for the train company, plus employment records and training records of all staff associated with the incident.

The purpose of gathering evidence is to prove negligence on the defendant’s part. We weave the evidence we gather with the fine points of Illinois and federal tort law to build a solid claim on your behalf.

chicago train accident attorney

Valuing your claim

Our next step is assessing the full extent of your losses to determine the value of your claim. We calculate your current losses plus the financial impact of the accident on your future. You may need ongoing medical care or be permanently unable to work. Our forensic accountants and expert witnesses help us properly assign value to all your losses, including future damages.

Demand letter and settlement negotiations

Once we establish the extent of the defendant’s liability and the value of your claim, we send a Demand Letter to the other party, their lawyers, and their insurance company. We ask for an appropriate settlement, which they may agree to or make a counter-offer.

Our Chicago train accident injury attorneys are trained negotiators focusing on the most important facets of your claim and what means most to you. Often, we can achieve a better settlement than you could alone.

Trial

Although many train accident claims are settled out of court, there are occasions when we recommend taking your case to trial. For example, if punitive damages are warranted, we may take your case to trial and present the argument to a jury. We support you during the trial and ensure that you are fully informed and prepared at each phase.

Communication and advocacy

Perhaps the most important service a Chicago train accident attorney can render is protecting you. Throughout the process, we’re shielding you from the pressure of the defendant’s attorneys and insurance company and ensuring you can heal and recover in peace. We handle all communications with the other party on your behalf; if the other party contacts you, please feel free to refer them to your lawyer.

Important Chicago train accident laws that could impact your claim

There are a few laws that may impact your claim:

We answer common questions about train accidents in Chicago

Our Chicago train accident injury attorneys answer some of the most commonly asked questions about train accident claims in Chicago.

What kinds of injuries are common in train accidents?

Common injuries that often occur on public trains in Chicago include:

Who may be liable in a train crash?

In a Chicago train accident claim, determining liability is key to securing compensation for injured victims. Liability can fall on multiple parties, such as poorly trained operators or entities like METRA that fail to maintain safe trains. Often, train companies are co-defendants due to their duty to ensure safety on their lines, which includes maintaining trains, rails, and adequately training staff.

Potential defendants in a train accident claim

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates brings decades of experience to train accident cases, pursuing claims against powerful operators such as:

  • Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): Handles over 1.6 million daily rides, facing challenges like government immunity and strict statutes of limitations.
  • Metra: Operates commuter trains in Chicago and suburbs, with roughly 300 daily trains serving 100 communities.
  • Amtrak: Runs national intercity routes with over 300 daily trains across 500 destinations.

Other potential defendants

Additional liable parties may include:

  • Train operators: Responsible for safety, they may be held liable for failing to follow regulations.
  • Mechanics: Must perform repairs safely and identify potential hazards. Faulty repairs can render trains unsafe.
  • Manufacturers: Accountable for safe design, they may be liable if design flaws or manufacturing defects compromise safety.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates investigates all potential defendants, aiming to hold every negligent party accountable to improve train safety and prevent future accidents.

Will I have to go to court for a train accident claim?

Maybe. We strive to settle your case out of court to spare you the stress and expense of trial. However, in some cases, such as those in which we believe we can secure punitive damages, we may advise going to trial.

How much is my train accident case worth?

This depends on the extent of your injuries and the degree of liability of the defendant. People who are permanently disabled or grievously injured will have higher-value claims than those with minor injuries. However, we also recognize the less visible impact of a train accident and strive for full compassion for your trauma and suffering.

Have you been hurt in a Chicago train accident? We want to hear your story.

If you have been injured in a Chicago train accident, whether you were a passenger on the train or a driver or nearby pedestrian, the attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help you get the justice and compensation for your losses that you deserve.

Please contact our firm at (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago train accident lawyer.