Chicago Train
Accident Lawyer

96%

Case Recovery Percentage

10+

Years of Experience

$10,000,000.00+

Over His Career, David J. Schwaner Has Collected $10 Million+ For Clients.

24/7

Live Chat & Phone Support

TRAIN ACCIDENTS IN CHICAGO

In the majority of the 3,000 train accidents that occur in the United States each year, property damage, injuries or deaths are likely outcomes, given the high rate of speed at which most trains travel. In 2000, there were a reported 1484 train accidents in Illinois.

While there are a variety of different trains on the rails – passenger trains, freight trains and scenic trains among them – and accidents are common, fatalities are rare.

Still, trains can derail, spilling toxins that require evacuations of neighborhoods in the vicinity of the crash. Trains can strike vehicles that are crossing or become stuck on the tracks. Most commonly, trains can strike pedestrians who are walking along the tracks.

TRAIN ACCIDENT STATISTICS

According to statistics, derailments are the leading cause of train crashes in the United States. Between 2001 and 2010, 94 percent of the train accidents that occurred during that decade were due to train derailments.

Broken or damaged rails are responsible for most of those derailments, suggesting that infrastructure issues are the biggest factors in train-related deaths or injuries. Speed, however, sometimes plays a role. The Federal Railroad Administration also attributes train accidents to inadequate protection at railroad crossings, such as lights or crossing bars to prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks when a train is approaching, especially in rural areas.

Estimates suggest that as many as 80% of railroad crossings don’t offer adequate safety features, creating a serious hazard for both vehicular and train traffic.

COMMON CAUSES OF TRAIN ACCIDENTS

Failure to meet certain standards can be seen as negligence, and can open the door to lawsuits in the wake of an accident that can leave victims permanently disabled due to physical injuries ranging from lost limbs to brain injuries.

Instances of negligence would include:

Lack of proper training on the part of engineers
Lack of proper train operation by conductors
Faulty equipment
Ineffective safety measures

If any of these can be proven by your Chicago train accident lawyer, the train company could be held liable for expenses, including medical, pain, suffering and lost wages as you recover from the train crash.

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5 star image Working with David was a pleasure. From the first time I spoke to him I felt at ease with him as he seemed more concerned with my well-being before all. He was always keeping me updated on everything every step through the process and was always available for me if I had a question. David delivered more than expected for me in every way and I would recommend him to anyone. A real class act with your best interest at heart!

Frank T.May 31st, 3017

5 star image Best in Chicago; Dave is connected in the area to several doctors/practices and will assist in making sure everything goes as smooth and professional as possible. Great experience and will keep recommending to those in need of a personal injury lawyer!

Thumbtack CustomerJune 30th, 2017

I would highly recommend Attorney David Schwaner and Schwaner Injury Law, to anyone. Not only is David knowledgeable and a gifted attorney, he’s a very sympathetic individual who takes the time to get to know you and your situation. He makes sure to answer all your questions, return all your calls, and always has your best interest at heart. Really top notch attorney, and law firm.

Konrad T.September 15th, 2017

I couldn’t have asked for a better injury lawyer. David Schwaner was wonderful to work with. He’s straightforward and gets the job done, all the while being most compassionate. I wish I could choose 6s. I’d recommend Schwaner Injury Law above all.

Betsy M.July 14th, 2017

David help our family out he took time out to explain everything and was so caring the car accident was do bad that David cried because my son was shot at 30 times and had a bad injury that needed surgery david work night and day because we did not have the best insurance company

Avvo ClientApril 13, 2017

If you want a lawyer with compassion, a conscience, and a strong base of knowledge and experience, David’s your guy. I found myself seriously injured while traveling alone. He treated me with respect, patience, and genuine honesty even when I couldn’t really advocate for myself or think straight due to medications (this is where his patience came in). While it turned out that there wasn’t much any attorney could have done for me, he certainly exhausted every option, and I have no doubt he would have fought well for me had a trial occurred. The only drawback to having hired Mr. Schwaner is that I can no longer tell all those awful lawyer jokes. He ruined them all for me. But that’s a price I’m happy to have paid.

Karen D.January 8th, 2018

I was recommended to Schwaner by another yelper. I Visited this office recently, located in the garner building. They are time efficient people here, things are organized and done when they give you their word to be. After my meeting I must say that the staff is very helpful and David is extremely supportive of his clients. He was ready to answer all questions and commit to necessary steps to help solve the situation immediately. He is one of the best out here!

Helen W.January 5th, 2018

I am truely grateful to David who dealt with the insurance companies on our behalf. We had our own injury to handle and luckily we were able to come in contact with David. He gave us assurance that he would take care of everything. He was very adamant on keeping us informed of the status of the case throughout the process. I hope that I never have to deal with a situation like this again in the future, but if I do I know I can trust David to relieve our worries and be there for us.

Sal W.August 31, 2017