Our public transit system has a responsibility to keep passengers safe as they ride around the city. Many rely on the L trains to get them to work, school, doctor appointments, and other important responsibilities. So what happens when disaster strikes? What steps must you take after being a victim of a train crash on a CTA train??
On November 16, 2023, passengers lived through this nightmare when the yellow line crashed into a piece of snow removal equipment in Skokie near Chicago. The city and all those involved must be held accountable for the 38 people who suffered injuries in the crash.
3 Steps to Take Following a Train Accident
If you are one of the many victims who were on the train when this terrible accident occurred, there are important steps you should take to keep yourself safe and to give yourself the best chance at justice.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Do not delay. Again, DO NOT DELAY!! Even if you feel fine at first, you still may have injuries that are more difficult to spot at first but are severe such as internal bleeding or a head injury. As soon as possible, seek medical attention. The sooner you see a doctor, the easier it will be to show that your injuries were in fact caused by the accident. Document your doctor visits. Again no detail is too small. Even if you need to return for additional procedures, you should still maintain records of each visit.
2. Keep Detailed Records of the Incident.
As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about what happened. Again, do not wait too long to record your experience as it’s easy to forget important details later on. Remember, no detail is too small. You never know what may prove valuable when proving liability for the accident.
3. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer.
If you are a victim of a crash on a train, you have rights. The best way to protect those rights is by contacting an attorney. The chaos of dealing with the police, your injuries, and your emotional distress following a CTA accident can feel overwhelming. A personal injury attorney can help lift this load so you can focus on healing both physically and emotionally.
Who is Liable for a Train Crash in Chicago?
It is very likely that negligence is at play in a train crash, causing the devastating crash. This means that a party— the city, the train driver, and/or other CTA workers — did not take proper precautions to keep passengers safe or to avoid an accident.
An attorney who is an expert in personal injury law would be able to investigate and determine exactly where and when the negligence occurred. Once negligence is established, an attorney can help seek justice for the victims. No one should have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s mistake, especially if it is the city.
Can I Receive Compensation For My Injuries Following a Train Accident?
The short answer is yes. With the right attorney, you may be more likely to receive the compensation that is rightfully yours. They will know the nuances of the law and how to assign blame for the accidents. Standing up against the city is no small feat, but it is possible with a lawyer in your corner.
Victims of a crash on CTA may be owed compensation for:
- hospital visits
- medical care
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
How Can Disparti Law Group Help Injured Passengers?
At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are committed to standing up against the “big guns” and we have the expertise to win. We aim to protect the rights of every day Chicago citizens. Our personal injury lawyers know every nuance of the law and will not back down from a fight.
We aim to help victims receive every penny they deserve for the traumatic event. The parties responsible must be held accountable. Injured victims in the crash do not need to go it alone. You do not need to go it alone. Contact us today for a FREE consultation or call (312) 600 – 6000. It’s free unless we win. Let us fight for your rights.
