A Metra train struck and killed a pedestrian in Villa Park, IL.
Metra Train Accident Near Station
The fatal Metra train accident took place at approximately 6:30 a.m. on January 31, 2022. At that time, an outbound Metra Union Pacific West train was traveling alongside Villa Avenue more than a quarter-mile east of the Villa Park station when it struck a pedestrian.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the Metra train accident. The deceased individual’s name has not yet been released.
Trains remained halted near the Villa Park station until around 8:30 a.m.
Metra Police are investigating the cause of the fatal Metra train accident. No personal injury attorneys are known to have filed suit at this time.
The Challenge of Public Transportation Accidents
Millions of Illinois residents use Metra, the El, and CTA buses to commute each day, with approximately 500 million public transportation rides taken in the Chicago area every year. With that many trips, however, the risk for injuries is significant.
Since they transport the public, trains and buses are classified as “common carriers” under Illinois law. Because of this designation, they are subject to a higher duty of care for the safety of passengers. Consequently, they are expected to be more cautious than other drivers.
Failure to maintain that heightened duty of care could be considered negligence. Those who have been hurt because of that negligence may have a valid personal injury claim against the company operating the carrier.
Nevertheless, public transportation accidents can be complicated, making financial recovery from the carrier difficult. There can be multiple causes for a public transportation accident, with many parties potentially bearing responsibility.
To achieve success in a claim against a public transportation company, you need to promptly initiate a detailed investigation to determine what happened so that the at-fault party or parties can be properly identified. Depending upon the nature of the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against multiple people or entities. Identifying all the responsible parties is crucial because failure to bring suit within the time allotted by law could result in being forever barred from obtaining compensation.
Additionally, the time in which the law specifies that a lawsuit may be filed – known as the “Statute of Limitations” – is shorter in cases involving public transportation systems. In Illinois, the Statute of Limitations is one year for personal injury cases involving municipalities, with some exceptions, as opposed to the two years that is typically allotted for cases against private parties.
Helping Public Transportation Accident Victims
Given the complexities involved in pursuing a personal injury claim against a public transportation provider, many people find that they might benefit from seeking out the counsel of the public transportation accident attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, GWC is one of the leading Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. Our personal injury attorneys have the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation necessary to get you and your family the justice you deserve.
Contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with one of our representatives.
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