At least 21 people were injured in a train accident the afternoon of August 6, 2010 in Shafter, California. The Bakersfield Californian reports that many suffered minor injuries in the collision. The Amtrak train was carrying 219 passengers as it traveled south from Oakland to Bakersfield. The collision occurred between the train and a big rig at the intersection of Shafter Avenue and Central Valley Highway. Authorities say the caution arms and signals at the intersection were functional at the time. The driver of the truck was uninjured in the train accident.
I am relieved to hear that no one was killed in this horrific train accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the many families affected by this crash.
California Train Accident Statistics
The Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis (FRAOSA) reports that there were 99 train accidents in California in 2009. In 2008, the FRAOSA reported that 25 people lost their lives in 118 California train accidents. Also, in Kern County, 103 deaths and 3,460 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.
What Caused this Crash?
Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how this injury train collision occurred. I trust investigators are still examining several aspects of this incident. Was the driver of the big rig speeding or trying to rush past the crossing? Was the truck driver under the influence, distracted or driving recklessly? Was this accident the result of train operator error? Were the crossing arms and signals working the way they were supposed to work at the time of the collision? These are all important questions to ask here.
Liability Issues
If the truck driver is determined to have caused this crash, then, he and his employer could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. If the train operator caused the crash, then, Amtrak can be held liable for its passengers' injuries. California law dictates that transit companies – public or private – must provide the "utmost duty of care" to their passengers. This means that they are responsible for the safe transportation of their passengers.
It would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the crash and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Injured victims in such cases could claim compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.
Are the train crossings in your neighborhood clearly marked?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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Steve neilson said:
That acident was tragic even though no one died it still scared me i have tons of friends who were on that train. I am so glad we have great California Attorneys to help all of those people.