One Killed In River Grove Metra Train Accident
Personal Injury - January 30, 2025
Investigation Underway After Metra Train Hit Vehicle Near West Suburban River Grove
RIVER GROVE, ILLINOIS (January 30, 2025) – One person has tragically died after their vehicle was struck by a Metra train near the River Grove station.
River Grove officials are saying that the incident took place around 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday. The Metra train collided with the passenger vehicle for unknown reasons.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Despite lifesaving measures, one person in the vehicle died due to the severe nature of their injuries.
Metra said that inbound and outbound trains were halted in the area of the collision. A full investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Illinois Metra Train Accidents
Trains can be deceptively fast and dangerous. They are involved in many serious accidents and fatalities each year. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 995 in 2023, a 10% increase from the 2022 revised total of 908 and the highest since 2007. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,705, a 3% increase from the 2022 revised total of 6,513.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a train accident.
- Human error remains one of the leading causes of train accidents. This could include instances where train operators are speeding or misreading signals.
- Like all large equipment, trains are prone to mechanical failures. Failures may occur with the engine, brakes, or coupling system that holds the train cars together.
- Malfunctions with the signal at train crossings could also lead to an accident.
- Train accidents are much more likely to occur at night when pedestrians and vehicles are less visible.
Train operators have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting obstacles in much the same way the drivers do. If a train operator sees a potential hazard on the tracks, such as a pedestrian or vehicle, they must use their horn and slow down to avoid a collision. If a train operator fails to slow down to avoid hitting a vehicle on the tracks, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
- Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the collision should be collected.
- The history of collisions at the train crossing should be understood.
A large portion of train accidents occur at crossings that are unprotected. In other words, there are no crossing gates or signals to alert drivers to the presence of oncoming trains. If this is the case, the entity responsible for the train crossing could potentially be held liable for a resulting collision. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died in a Metra train accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Illinois Metra Train Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who died in this River Grove Metra train accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make this particular train crossing safer so that similar tragedies can be averted.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a River Grove train accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of train accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and the train companies are held accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.