Chicago is home to one of the largest urban rail networks in the country, and train accidents — including CTA 'L' train crashes, Metra collisions, and pedestrian-train incidents — cause serious injuries every year. In 2000 alone, there were 1,484 reported train accidents in Illinois. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or a vehicle driver at a crossing, Schwaner Injury Law will hold the responsible party accountable.
Every case is different, but victims of train & cta accident may be entitled to recover:
David J. Schwaner has spent over two decades fighting for Chicago injury victims. With a 98% case recovery rate and more than $10 million recovered for clients, he brings aggressive, experienced representation to every case — from initial consultation through trial if necessary.
You pay nothing unless we win. David handles all case costs upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while he focuses on your justice.
Yes, though suing a government agency like the CTA involves additional procedural requirements and potentially shorter notice deadlines. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
For private rail companies, the 2-year Illinois statute of limitations generally applies. For government entities like the CTA, special notice requirements may apply with shorter deadlines.
Metra is a public agency, and claims against it must follow specific government tort procedures. Negligent Metra employees, maintenance contractors, or equipment manufacturers may share liability.
Inadequate warning systems, poor visibility, or malfunctioning gates can make the railroad company liable. We investigate all contributing factors including road design and signal operation.
Absolutely. Common carriers like the CTA owe passengers a high duty of care. If a crash, sudden stop, or fall on a CTA train injured you, you may have a strong claim.
Schwaner Injury Law offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. No fee unless we win. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you if you have a case — no obligation.
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From first call to final settlement or verdict — here's exactly how David Schwaner fights for train & cta accident victims in Chicago.
We evaluate your train & cta accident case at absolutely no cost. You'll speak directly with David Schwaner — not a paralegal or intake specialist — about what happened and what your case is worth.
We gather all critical evidence — police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and witness statements. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed.
We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. We never accept lowball offers. Insurance adjusters know that Schwaner Injury Law is prepared to go to trial.
Most cases settle before trial for fair compensation. If the insurer refuses to offer what your case is worth, David Schwaner takes it to Cook County court and fights for a jury verdict. We don't stop until you're fairly compensated.
You receive your settlement or verdict. Our fee comes only from your recovery — zero out of pocket costs to you. No fee unless we win, guaranteed.
Understanding Illinois law helps you protect your rights. Here's what every train & cta accident victim in Chicago needs to know before speaking with an insurance company.
David Schwaner has recovered over $15 million for injured Chicagoans — including train & cta accident victims with cases just like yours.
Over 20 years handling train & cta accident cases in Cook County courts. David knows the judges, the process, and how to win.
Call or text David Schwaner anytime — day or night. Injured victims don't keep business hours, and neither do we.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation expenses so you can focus on healing.
Illinois-specific answers to the questions injured victims ask most. If your question isn't here, call (312) 635-4000 — David answers personally.
Claims against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) require a written notice of claim within 1 year of the accident under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/8-102). After providing notice, you have 2 years to file suit. For Metra train accidents involving a private carrier, the standard 2-year personal injury statute of limitations applies. Contact an attorney immediately — missing the notice deadline is fatal to your claim.
Depending on the cause of the accident, potentially liable parties include: the Chicago Transit Authority (operator of the 'L' and buses), Metra (commuter rail), BNSF or Union Pacific (freight railroads), Amtrak, train maintenance contractors, equipment manufacturers, or negligent third parties. Schwaner Injury Law investigates all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery.
Illinois law imposes the highest duty of care — the 'common carrier' standard — on train operators like CTA and Metra. This means they must exercise 'the utmost care consistent with the practical operation of the railroad' to protect passengers. This is a higher standard than ordinary negligence and makes it somewhat easier to establish liability in train accident cases.
Yes. We handle all types of train and rail accident cases in Chicago including CTA 'L' train accidents, Red/Blue/Green/Brown Line accidents, Metra commuter rail crashes, freight train collisions, railroad crossing accidents, and pedestrian rail accidents. David Schwaner has experience navigating the complex procedural requirements for suing government transit authorities.
Train accident victims in Illinois can recover medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation), future medical costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability or disfigurement. Illinois has no cap on compensatory damages for personal injury, allowing full recovery of all your losses.
Yes. Both Metra and the CTA can be sued for negligence, but government transit agencies have special procedural requirements. CTA claims require a written notice within 1 year under Illinois Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/8-102). Metra operates as a public agency with similar requirements. Schwaner Injury Law has experience navigating all transit authority claims in Chicago.
For CTA train accidents, you must file a written notice of claim within 1 year of the accident, then file suit within 2 years. For Metra and private rail companies, the standard 2-year statute of limitations applies (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Missing any of these deadlines can permanently bar your claim. Contact an attorney immediately after a train accident.
Compensation for Arlington Heights train accidents (typically Metra UP-NW line) depends on injury severity, lost wages, medical costs, and liability. Schwaner Injury Law serves Cook and DuPage County including Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, and Barrington. Serious train accident injuries can warrant seven-figure settlements. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation.
Schwaner Injury Law handles train & cta accident cases throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Chicago (all CTA 'L' lines and stations), Evanston, Oak Park, Berwyn, Blue Island, Harvey, Chicago Ridge, Tinley Park, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Waukegan, Glenview, and all Metra and CTA service areas throughout the Chicago metropolitan region. Wherever you were injured in northeastern Illinois, David Schwaner can help. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation. Available 24/7, no fee unless we win.