A Metro Blue Line train accident in Long Beach the afternoon of July 7, 2010 was likely caused by the train driver running a red light, the Associated Press reports. Long Beach police officers say an onboard video shows the Metro Blue Line train running a stop signal before colliding with a Long Beach police patrol car injuring an officer, who still remains hospitalized with injuries. At least 10 passengers on the train sustained injuries in the crash as well.
Officials say traffic investigators examined onboard video from the southbound train as well as a train that was stopped on the northbound tracks. What they saw was the police car and pedestrians crossing Long Beach Boulevard on a green light. Also, the video from the southbound train showed a red light for southbound traffic and a stop signal for the train.
I sympathize with all the injured victims in this case. I'm relieved to hear none of the passengers sustained major injuries. I also wish the injured police officer the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
What Caused this Accident?
It is not quite clear what caused this accident. If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the train driver may have run a red light. The question here is why he ran a red light. Was he impaired? Was the train's operator distracted in some way? Was he talking on a cell phone or texting at the time of the collision? Was he negligent in any other way? Was he fatigued? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues to determine exactly what caused the operator to disregard the stop signal.
Liability Issues
If it is determined that the train operator's negligence caused this accident, the police officer as well as the train's passengers can seek compensation from the transit authority for injuries sustained in this crash. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options. Please remember that any such claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.
What are some of your biggest concerns about traveling by train? Do you feel safe taking the train?
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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