An 80 year old man was killed Sunday morning in a crash with an Amtrak train in Alton, IL. The victim was driving a pick up at the Humbert Road crossing Sunday morning when the passenger train bound for Chicago, IL struck him. The Amtrak train was carrying 230 passengers and 12 employees at the time of the accident. The truck reportedly drove through the railroad crossing signal. Just last week, I wrote an article about the recent large scale train crashes that took lives and seriously injured many. In that article, I discussed that lawmakers have passed some new initiatives to fund more crossing improvements. While in all of the latest crashes including the crash in Alton, the gates were in use. In most of these situations, investigators and the National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating why the vehicles were on the tracks and why the gates and/or flashing lights did not assist motorists. Interestingly, the article I read said that flashing lights and gates can improve crossing safety. While only a third of railroad crossing have both lights and gates such crossings still account for nearly half of train-motor vehicle collisions.
Most Common Reasons for Train Crashes in Missouri and Illinois
- Human error, such as a conductor or operator error.
- Maintenance issues, including lack of maintenance or improper maintenance.
- Communication issues, such as a miscommunication about which train tracks are operating
- Adverse weather conditions which can lead to a train derailment if not handled properly
- Failure of drivers to yield to trains or obey traffic signals
- Trespassing on railroad tracks
Legal Liability for Missouri and Illinois Tran Accidents
In Missouri and Illinois, people and companies that are negligent in ways that harm others can be held legally responsible fro the consequence of their actions. This means if a loved one or you has been injured in a train accident that was caused by the railroad, you may have the ability to use the court system to get compensation you desperately need. In addition, railroad workers who are injured in accidents while on the job could recovery damages for their injuries under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) Meaning, these are two different kinds of cases. FELA cases involve the injuries or death of a railroad worker or employee opposed to a personal injury claim if someone is injured or killed as a result of a train accident.
Each Train Crash Incident is Unique
Each train accident has a different fact pattern. Depending on the facts of your particular train accident, will depend on one, whether or not you can make claim for injuries; and two, what kind of case you can bring. The experienced train accident attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm understand the unique type of law involved in railroad accidents. In a train accident case, there can be multiple defendants and as experienced attorneys, we know the how critical the investigation portion of the case is as well as finding all possible defendants. Generally, people that are involved in train accidents are injured severely, thus finding and being able to get maximum compensation for your medical bills and expenses is important. The statute of limitations varies depending on which state the accident occurs. It is paramount that you involve a skilled train accident attorney as soon as possible so that vital evidence can be preserved. Call our attorneys toll free 1-800-685-3302 for a free consultation today. You may also reach us locally at 314-276-1681, seven days a week.
Summary Article Name One Killed In Alton, Illinois Train Crash Author Zane T. Cagle Description An 80 year old man was killed Sunday in Alton, IL when a passenger train struck his pickup at the Humbert crossing.