Fenton, IL (April 28, 2020) – The driver who was killed after his vehicle was hit by a train in Fenton Township, Illinois on Saturday, April 25th, has been identified as Robert J. Merrill, 65, of Erie, Illinois. Merrill was driving across a railway at the intersection of Smit Road and Moline Road when his vehicle was struck by a Burlington Northern train at around 12:35 p.m. Merrill was pronounced dead at the scene.
Merrill’s 16-year-old daughter was in the front passenger seat at the time of the crash and was severely injured. She was airlifted from the scene to a hospital in Iowa City for treatment of critical injuries where she is reported to be in critical condition.
An ongoing investigation into the crash is currently in progress.
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Robert J. Merrill at this time. Our thoughts are with the injured victim and her family in hopes of a full recovery.
Train-Vehicle Collisions in Illinois
Each year, there are an estimated 5,800 collisions involving trains and motor vehicles reported nationwide. These accidents leave 600 dead and 2,300 injured. A majority of these accidents happening during evening hours when visibility is limited.
The grief and devastation of losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is nearly unbearable. Surviving family members may be able to recover lost compensation by pursuing a wrongful death claim. In a wrongful death lawsuit, a representative of the decedent’s estate – usually a close family member – seeks damages from those at fault for the person’s death.
At Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., we understand the grief and pain that families experience when a family member is killed. While no amount of money can bring back a lost family member, a wrongful death lawsuit can help families address the financial difficulties associated with the accident. Contact our offices today at 877-930-2551 to see what our Illinois wrongful death lawyers can do for you.
Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.
Disclaimer: As members of the local Chicago and broader Illinois community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. This is not a solicitation for business, and this information should not be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. You should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation. The photographs depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene.
