A commuter train struck and killed a man Wednesday in Wheaton, Illinois. Authorities responded to the accident around 7 p.m. near Manchester Road and Birch Drive. The DuPage County Coroner pronounced the 37-year-old victim dead at the scene of the accident. The Metra Train was traveling west of downtown Wheaton on Union Pacific tracks. The accident is currently under investigation.
Railroad accidents occur approximately 11,000 times each year, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. Accidents that involve a train and a pedestrian result in fatalities and this is due to the weight, size, and force of the impact. Often railroad accidents occur because a person driving a vehicle or walking along the tracks believe they will hear the train coming in ample time to get out of the way or think that they can beat the train by crossing the tracks. Several train accidents occur at railroad crossings that lack the proper safety warning devices. If you have lost a loved one in a railroad accident no amount of money will ease the pain. However, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney in order to hold those involved responsible for any negligence and recover compensation for funeral costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth are dedicated professionals with over 100 years of combined experience in train accident cases, and are ready to serve you. Our personal injury attorneys are licensed in Missouri and Illinois. We have logged thousands of hours on the phone with insurance companies and recovered millions of dollars for medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage. Likewise, when represented by Meyerkord & Kurth, you will receive the personal attention and excellent service that you deserve while we work tirelessly for you to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for a free consultation at (314) 300-3000 or (800) 391-4318.