One Killed in Fatal Metra-Car Accident in Woodstock

 Posted on March 09, 2015 in Personal Injury

An inbound Union Pacific Northwest Line in Woodstock, Illinois killed a 19-year-old recently after her car was struck. The Metra train struck the young victim's car after it became stuck at a grade crossing located at the bottom of a hill. Authorities believe snow and icy conditions contributed to the fatal car accident. Car Accidents in Illinois Illinois has the 3rd highest number of accidents at highway-railroad crossings in the country. According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, approximately 80 individuals die each year on and around railroad tracks in the state. In 1976 there were 800 accidents and over 96 people died at public grade crossings. This number has been steadily decreasing since the implementation of the Illinois Operation Lifesaver program in 1976. The program looks to educate the public in order to protect people from the dangers of railroad crossings and trains. In 2012, this number fell to 89 accidents; 25 deaths; and 34 serious injuries. Despite the decreasing number of accidents and fatalities at public grades, the risk of injury is still high. Over 300 million vehicles cross railroad tracks every day across the country; 270 people were killed in highway-railroad grade crossings accidents in 2012, and over 400 people were killed when trespassing on railroad property in the same year. The danger of being involved in a vehicle-train accident is even greater in the six-county Chicago area where 73 percent of the state's train-vehicle collisions occur. The most troubling statistic, however, is that more than half of these accidents occur when the railroad crossing is displaying its active warning devices (i.e. the lights, gates, and bells are engaged). Drivers either mistime their crossing or willfully ignore the warning signs. This is exceedingly problematic, considering one is 40 times more likely to die in an accident with a train than with a car. Trains, despite all of their safety features, still need the length of at least 18 football fields in order to come to a full stop. When approaching a train crossing, either on foot or in a vehicle, one must observe the utmost caution. Depending on the circumstances, the ability to receive compensation for your injuries or property damage due to a vehicle-train accident may be difficult. Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys If you are in an accident with a train, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help. Our skilled DuPage County personal injury attorneys have significant experience and are prepared to offer you assistance today. Reach out to us for a consultation on your case. Call 630-932-9100.