Jesus Castrejon Killed In Grayslake Metra Train Accident Near Route 120 and Hainesville Road
Wrongful Death - June 1, 2022
Dump Truck Driver Jesus Castrejon Died In Grayslake Metra Train Accident Near Route 120 and Hainesville Road
GRAYSLAKE, ILLINOIS (May 31, 2022) – A 41-year-old dump truck driver identified as Jesus Castrejon has died in a Grayslake Metra train accident near Route 120 and Hainesville Road.
Lake County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:00 a.m. on Monday. Jesus Castrejon was driving a dump truck when his vehicle was hit by a Metra commuter train.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help all of those that sustained injuries. Despite life-saving measures, Jesus Castrejon was pronounced dead at the scene.
One passenger on the commuter train was taken away on a stretcher. But they are expected to survive. The train crossing where the accident took place does not have any lights.
A full investigation into the Grayslake dump truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Grayslake Train Accidents
Train accidents are far more common than many people realize. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 757 in 2020, a decrease of more than 12% from the 2019 revised total of 862 and the lowest since 2015. Nonfatal injuries totaled 5,479, a 33% decrease from the 2019 revised total of 7,983. From 2019 to 2020, fatalities at highway-rail crossings decreased 32%, while fatalities involving other types of incidents decreased 1%.” There are a number of common causes of train accidents.
- Trains may be traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions.
- A railroad crossing may lack crossing guards with flashing lights.
- A railroad intersection may have an obstructed line of sight.
All train operators have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. They must scan the tracks ahead of them and take steps to avoid pedestrians, vehicles or other obstacles that they could run into. They should also use their horn to alert others of their presence. If a train operator fails to slow down in order to avoid a vehicle on the tracks, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the entity responsible for maintaining a railroad crossing could be responsible for a collision. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/), property owners have a duty to warn about, or otherwise take action to correct, dangerous conditions that exist on their property. When a property owner fails to take action to correct a dangerous condition on their property, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of ways that a railroad crossing could be in a dangerous condition.
- A railroad crossing may have malfunctioning crossing guards or lights.
- A railroad crossing may lack adequate crossing guards or lights.
- A railroad crossing may have defective tracks that cause vehicles to become stuck.
The family of any victim that died in a dump truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. If the victim of an accident was working when they were killed, their family may also be able to receive benefits through worker’s compensation. Worker’s compensation in Illinois is a no-fault insurance system that can help cover many of the expenses associated with accidents. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Grayslake Train Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesus Castrejon. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to authorities. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to help make this railroad crossing safer. If nothing else, officials should consider adding crossing guards and lights.
Do you need more information about a Grayslake dump truck accident? our team of railroad safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. 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 a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.