Chicago Subway Accident Lawyer

Accidents on the Chicago Subway Taking the subway is one of the most efficient modes of transportation to move about the Chicago Metropolitan area. While the transit system has been relatively safe since its inception in 1892, there are still Chicago subway accidents occurring every year.

The government agency that manages and regulates the subway system is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and providing upkeep on every mile of track, transporting passengers through the community.

The injuries associated with these kinds of accidents are usually catastrophic. Most accidents typically involve a collision, rollover, assault, operator error, or derailment. Other accidents involve slips and falls onto the tracks or on subway platforms where the victim suffers serious injury or death.

The accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC represent CTA, Metra, and train accident victims by obtaining financial compensation through personal injury claims. Our train accident lawyers also represent bicyclists, pedestrians involved in train collisions, and car accidents.

Subway Train Accident Injury FAQs

Who is Responsible for a Subway Accident?

The Chicago Transit Authority has a legal responsibility to monitor and maintain every mile of the subway track system, engines, and railcars and is held legally liable for any accident.

If a victim injured in a Subway accident can prove the mass transit line was negligent, they can typically obtain compensation through a claim or jury trial lawsuit.

Which CTA Line is the Most Dangerous?

According to NBC Channel 5 Chicago, the Red Line Station at the Dan Ryan Expressway and 95th St. intersection has more accidents and violent crimes than any other stop in the Chicago area. There are more thefts at the State/Jackson Subway stop than any other CTA stop.

Is the CTA and Metra Line the Same Thing?

The two mass transit systems are slightly different. The Chicago Transit Authority is a less expensive option that provides greater schedule flexibility. Alternatively, Metra runs cleaner and newer trains during off rush-hour times and limited schedules.

How Safe is the CTA?

In February 2020, the Chicago Tribune published an article spotlighting dangers around the Chicago Transit Authority. The article indicated 50% higher arrest rates on the CTA, although the crime rate had not risen significantly since the year before.

Can You Survive a Train Crash?

The Today Show producers revealed numerous ways individuals can survive a train crash, including where to sit on the train and how to escape in case of an emergency. The report showed that sitting backward could thrust you forward in the event of a sudden stop or crash, keeping you in your seat, resting against the back cushion.

The report indicated that making access out the window might be your safest escape route to get out of the railcar as quickly as possible.

What is the Safest Part of the Train?

According to the author of the 1970 Federal Railroad Safety Act, sitting in the center of the train during a crash could be the best location to ensure your safety. The report indicated that a rear-end collision or front-end crash could be catastrophic at the back or front of the train.

In these events, you might be saved from catastrophic injuries or wrongful death when sitting inside any railcar in the middle of the train.

The Chicago "L"

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the Chicago "L" (an abbreviation for "elevated") rapid transit line serving over 700,000 residents and visitors every day. The city of Chicago, subway operators, and the subway's parent company are legally obligated to ensure that every passenger arrives at their destination safely.

When passengers are harmed or injured, all parties responsible for the accident can be held legally accountable for their neglect by not providing a secure and safe environment for every commuter. Many injury cases involve victims harmed in the Chicago area subway and bus crashes.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers build cases on evidence involving:

Train or subway operator negligence
Electrocution
Sudden stop
Subway crash
Insurance companies acting in bad faith
Inadequate safety precautions
Insufficient security
Malfunctioning door closure
Turnstile injury
Insufficient maintenance of the subway car or station
Slip and falls resulting from broken escalators, platforms, stairs, slippery floors, hidden debris, or low lighting

Common injuries in a subway or bus accident might involve severed limbs, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, fractures, broken bones, lacerations, and wrongful death. Our law office's successful case results ensure our clients have adequate compensation to pay for their medical bills, hospitalization costs, time away from work, pain, suffering, and wrongful death.

Filing a Claim for Compensation Involving the CTA

Injured victims and surviving family members of a loved one who has died in a Chicago Subway accident are legally entitled to file a compensation claim. However, it is their responsibility to prove how negligence, carelessness, or an intentional act directly caused the victim's injuries or death.

Illinois tort law involving government agencies is complex. Thus, it is often essential to hire a skilled personal injury attorney specializing in rapid transit accident cases. An attorney is beneficial if the victim was:

Accident victims injured or killed while on public transportation
Injured from a fall from an Amtrak or CTA bus station's retractable platform
Suffered injuries while boarding or exiting a subway car
CTA accident victims Injured or killed after being struck by public transport vehicles
Suffered injuries or death due to negligent train conductors or operators
Slipped and fell on broken or icy surface areas where passengers were boarding or exiting a subway car

When the victim sues the government for compensation, the attorney must follow special rules that involve government immunity protection. Usually, there is a strict statute of limitations on filing a Notice of Claim with the appropriate agency connected to the accident.

These injuries and wrongful death cases are complex and often require attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge. Usually, the injuries caused by public transportation are severe and long-lasting.

Compensation obtained in an out-of-court settlement or award at trial usually covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages such as hospital and home care.

Hiring a Lawyer With Experience Winning Chicago Subway Cases

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC accepts all Chicago Metropolitan area rapid transit accident cases. Our legal team provides a comprehensive investigation of the facts related to the accident causation, government/third-party liability, and damages.

Our attorneys use proven methods to identify multiple defendants when pursuing compensation using novel theories of insurance and liability law. We provide the best legal representation to injured victims and surviving family members who have lost a loved one in a Chicago subway accident.

Our Cook County personal injury attorneys represent and advise clients injured in subway accidents, bus collisions, railroad crossing crashes, freight, and passenger train accidents involving public and mass transit.

Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys follow social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus).

★★★★★

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld. Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own. Ethan Armstrong

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you. Daniel Kaim

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan! Giulia

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa

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