Sweeper Truck Driver Killed in Tracy Train Crash
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Stockton area office reported that a driver of a street sweeper truck was killed in a crash with a train in Tracy on June 9, 2021. The fatal accident occurred shortly after 7:00 a.m. on Linne Road between Tracy Boulevard and MacArthur Drive.
Details on the Train vs. Street Sweeper Truck Accident in Tracy
In a preliminary investigation report by CHP traffic officers, it appeared that a construction company was working in the area. A street sweeper truck was reportedly sweeping on MacArthur Drive. For unknown reasons, the railroad crossing gate trapped the truck driver with the arms coming down on the front and rear of the vehicle.
Sadly, the street sweeper truck driver could not escape the vehicle in time. An Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train allegedly hit and killed the truck driver. His identity has been withheld by the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office due to pending notification of family members.
Officials reported that approximately 50 to 100 parties were on board the train at the time of the incident. However, no injuries were reported from the train accident, authorities said.
What You Should Know About Train Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
According to a recent report by National Safety Council (NSC), an estimation of the total traffic fatalities for 2020 was 42,060. This accounted for an overall increase of 8 percent from the previous year, with 39,107 crash-related deaths. Most accidents do not lead to fatalities as they may be the predictable result of negligence. When a loved one loses their life in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or careless actions may be considered wrongful death under California law.
Bringing a wrongful death claim for a loss of life from a train accident often means going against complex insurance companies and government entities. There are unique issues and procedures involved in fatal train accident cases which should be left to a skilled Tracy wrongful death attorney to handle. When a family retains a lawyer for their claim, they will work with a legal professional who will use their experience, skills, and resources to build a strong case for justice and fair compensation.
There is a specific period when a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed in court, otherwise known as the statute of limitations. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, surviving family members must file suit against appropriate parties within two years of their loved one’s death. Conversely, government entity claims are subject to a shorter statute of limitations with 180 days or six months, as outlined in California Government Code Section 911.2. Survivors who fail to meet the deadline may risk their case being dismissed by the court. Since strict filing criteria and deadlines are involved in fatal accident cases, it is best to work with an experienced attorney. Watch the video below for details on how to find the best wrongful death lawyer in your area to handle your claim.
Importance of Working with an Attorney on a Wrongful Death Case
After a fatal train accident, working with a lawyer with years of experience handling wrongful death claims is essential. An attorney can independently investigate the incident to determine whether any California laws regarding railroad crossings were violated by government entities and other parties. Being represented by an attorney well-versed in wrongful death law means you and your family’s best interests will be protected while bringing a case forward for a fatal train crash.
When you work with our law firm, we will investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. This may include reviewing the train conductor’s qualifications, experience, and training. We will also investigate whether the government entity or train company violated any safety requirements outlined by state or federal law. Our legal team will take these steps to build a strong case on your family’s behalf. Contact us today to learn more about your potential options for recovery and how our family can help your family.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Tracy
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy wrongful death lawyer. A train accident may result in severe injury or even death for all parties involved. Such crashes are often the result of negligence by the train operator, railroad track owner, locomotive manufacturer, train company, and other parties. If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident involving a train, contact our law firm today for free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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In recognition of our work, we have been awarded membership into the California chapters of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Our law firm aims to obtain a settlement or jury award that provides justice and closure for surviving family members. To understand how we have resolved past cases for families impacted by wrongful death, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photograph Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/red-rose-on-grave-love-symbol-5469144/
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