Unmarked Train Crossing Leads to an Unfortunate but Preventable Accident

 Posted on April 14, 2016 in Personal Injury

Train accidents are rather rare, which makes them exceptionally memorable when they do happen. Such is the case in a recent accident between a truck and a train in Homer, Illinois. Thankfully, no one was injured or killed. The driver of the truck may be due compensation, however, since the accident could have been prevented.

Unmarked Construction

According to the city’s police chief, seven cars had derailed about a week prior to the accident in question. The company that owns the line had allegedly closed the road to clean up the aftermath and fix the problem, but the contractor who was working on the repairs reportedly moved the barricades from both sides and then forgot to return them before leaving. This made it an unmarked construction zone – one with a hole reportedly so deep, it managed to stop the 72-year-old man’s truck as he tried to driver over the tracks.

Stuck on the Tracks

According to authorities, the man’s truck became stuck inside the hole left behind by the unfinished job. When he noticed the train barreling toward him, he reportedly jumped out of his truck and then tried to wave the train down to get it to stop; his fear was that the train would derail. Thankfully, that did not happen. The truck took a hit, however, since the train was not able to stop by the time it reached the crossing.

Finish of Repairs, Future Compliance Expected

The police chief said the road will get finished, and there will be conversations with the company regarding compliance and safety issues. Hopefully, the company takes it seriously and realizes that, even though the truck may be difficult to salvage, it is not too late to save a life.

Seeking Compensation after a Train Accident

The man whose truck was hit by the train is doing the right thing; he is looking to an attorney to help him seek compensation. Cases such as these are extremely complex, and building a strong case can be next to impossible for those who are unfamiliar with the law or city and federal regulations. The right attorney understands these complexities and can offer top-notch services to ensure you receive the kind of representation you deserve.

At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. we have decades of experience, and we can provide personalized and aggressive representation for your personal injury case. Contact a skilled Aurora plane and train accident attorney and schedule your free initial consultation to learn more. Call 630-907-0909 today.

Source:

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/local-news/train-hits-truck-stuck-at-unmarked-crossing