Bus/Train Accidents

Illinois Bus & Train Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys

Millions of people depend on public transportation everyday. Buses and trains are considered inexpensive, convenient and generally safe ways to travel. Buses and trains are not, however, immune to injury accidents. In fact, bus and train accidents are far more common than most people know. If you have been involved in an accident with a bus or train, the Illinois personal injury attorneys at Ankin Law Office can help you navigate the legal system.

Bus Accidents Causes

Buses face some unique hazards on the road because of their size and limited maneuverability. Bus accidents can occur for a number of reasons including:

• Driver error
• Bad weather
• Poor maintenance
• Parts defects
• Road hazards

There are also thousands of school bus accidents each year. These accidents can occur in traffic collisions (school buses are not typically equipped with seat belts) or in boarding/exiting accidents.

Types of Train Accidents

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there is a train accident in the United States approximately once every 2 hours. This startling statistic seems to fly in the face of the common wisdom that trains are a safe mode of transportation. In fact, there are numerous different types of train accidents including:

• Train derailments
• Equipment failure
• Collisions with other trains
• Collisions with passenger vehicles
• Collisions with pedestrians

In 2007, there were a total of 13,067 train related accidents that resulted in 851 deaths and 8,801 injuries according to data collected by the Federal Railroad Administrations’ Office of Safety Analysis. Most of the deaths are a result of trespassing on the railroad tracks, but many occurred in highway railroad crossings. Regardless of where or how they occur, train accidents tend to cause catastrophic injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus or train accident, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your claim. Our attorneys will evaluate the specifics of your case and counsel you on all possible legal remedies.