You can  On Monday, September 30, 2013, numerous people were injured when Chicago Transit Authority (CTA and sometimes called the L by some and here the “Blue Line”) commuter trains collided during rush hour at Harlem Station in Forest Park, Illinois.

Train drivers and train companies owe their passengers a duty of care to avoid causing injuries to their passengers and situations can turn into severe hazards and extraordinary damages when an accident occurs involving such immense ‘vehicles.’

Apparently, upwards of 33 people were injured per various reports.

As stated previously by us in another posting, the law requires train drivers–like other motorists–to exercise due care and caution and to follow the “rules of the road (here tracks)” and Illinois law so that a lawsuit for negligence will not be brought against him/her/them for some or all of the following (but not necessarily limited to):

◦ Carelessly and negligently operating, managing, maintaining, and/or controlling a vehicle;

◦ Carelessly and negligently operating a motor vehicle at a rate of speed which was greater than reasonable and proper with regard to conditions and the use of the tracks, or which was greater than the applicable speed limit established in violation of the revised Statutes of the State of Illinois;

◦ Carelessly and negligently failing to equip a motor vehicle with proper brakes although such a device was necessary to insure the safe operation of the vehicle;

◦ Carelessly and negligently failing to keep a proper lookout and to stop or alter the course of a motor vehicle to avoid striking the vehicle (or, here, another train); and/or

◦ Being otherwise careless and negligent (simply not paying attention).

Contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights. Do not talk to any insurance people without an attorney present.

You can contact us here 24/7/365 (and we really mean that as we will answer our phone) if you have any questions and to learn how we may be able to help you or your loved one who has been a victim – in particular, you will find that we listen, take your phone calls and e-mails (and even text messages!). We would be honored to help you with your matters – large or small.