40 Injured In Chicago Train Accident By Howard CTA Station
Personal Injury - April 17, 2024
Cook County Officials Investigating Chicago Transit Authority Train Accident Near The Howard CTA Station
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (April 17, 2024) – At least 40 people were injured in a Chicago Transit Authority train accident on the city’s North Side near the Howard CTA station.
Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:35 a.m. on Thursday. A CTA commuter train was heading south from Skokie when it collided with slower-moving rail equipment.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims. At least 40 people were injured in the collision, including 23 who were taken to local hospitals. This includes three people who were critically injured.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Cook County Train Accidents
Train accidents may seem like freak occurrences, but they are much more common than many people realize. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 954 in 2022, an 11% increase from the 2021 revised total of 859 and the highest since 2007. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,252, a 6% increase from the 2021 revised total of 5,882.” There are a number of common causes of train accidents.
- Human Error: Many train accidents involve mistakes by train operators. This could include instances where train operators are speeding or not following signals.
- Track Defects: Poorly maintained tracks are another major cause of train collisions. There could be issues with the rails, ties, or ballasts.
- Mechanical Failures: Any issue with the mechanical components on a train could lead to a collision. This is particularly true when a train’s brakes are not operating normally.
Depending on the facts of any case, a train company could be liable for an accident. Trains have speed limits in much the same way that vehicles do. Train operators must also scan the tracks ahead of them and stop for hazards. If a train operator fails to exercise due care and crashes into another vehicle or object, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of train accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
The vast majority of train accidents are completely preventable. In many situations, there could be more than one liable party. This could include a company that left equipment or vehicles on a set of tracks. It may also include the company responsible for maintaining a set of train tracks. Any person who is injured in a train accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A train accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Getting Legal Help After A Chicago Train Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this Chicago train accident. It is our sincere hope that all of the victims will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place. This was a preventable collision that should not have happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Chicago train accident? Our team of train accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
