Pedestrian Killed In Galesburg Train Accident
Personal Injury - August 16, 2024
Investigation Underway After Pedestrian Died In Galesburg Train Accident
GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (August 16, 2024) – A pedestrian has tragically died in a Galesburg train accident, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Knox County officials are saying that the incident took place around 9:56 p.m. on Thursday. A pedestrian was struck by a train under uncertain conditions.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. The pedestrian was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room.
Despite life-saving measures, the pedestrian was pronounced dead. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Galesburg Train Accidents
Many people are killed or seriously injured in train accidents every year. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, railroad incidents resulted in 5,479 injuries, compared to 7,983 in 2019. Twelve percent of the total (684) occurred at rail-crossings, down 18% from the 2019 total of 835.” Train conductors should take a number of measures in order to avoid hitting pedestrians or vehicles on train tracks.
- Train operators should slow down in areas with dense traffic.
- Train operators should use their horns to alert pedestrians to their presence.
- Train operators should continuously scan the tracks ahead of them.
All train operators have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Even if a pedestrian is stationary on a set of train tracks, conductors must use their brakes and at least attempt not to hit them. If a train operator fails to take reasonable measures in order to avoid hitting pedestrians, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after train accidents.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The actions of the train conductor leading up to the accident should be understood.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a train accident could extend beyond any person. The company or municipality responsible for maintaining a set of tracks could be liable for an accident. Train tracks must be maintained in a reasonably safe condition. If a dangerous condition on the train tracks contributed to an accident, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Investigating Knox County Train Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian that died in this Galesburg train accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a Galesburg train accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is 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 any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
