Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Train Accident in Sacramento
A pedestrian was injured on July 10 after being involved in a train accident in Sacramento. Officers with the Sacramento Police Department and Sac Fire were called to the scene at around 9:47 in the evening at 12th and Ahern streets in the Alkali Flat area in response to a call. At the scene, they found a man who was pinned underneath a light rail train who had suffered serious injuries.
Man Pinned by Train in Accident
The fire department had to use equipment to hoist the train off the injured man. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries. All of the lanes along southbound 12th Street were shut down as an investigation ensued, and the scene was cleared.
Second Train Accident in Less Than a Month
This is the second train collision along 12th Street within the past month. A similar accident involving a pedestrian in Alkali Flat occurred on June 19th, between D Street and Chinatown Alley. Once again, a crane was used by Sacramento emergency responders to lift the train off the injured person, who was transported with serious injuries to a hospital. In this case, it was reported that the individual in question had tripped and fallen onto the tracks as the train was approaching.
How Train Accidents With Pedestrians Happen
Most of the time, an accident involving a pedestrian and train is the fault of the walker who goes under a guardrail or is too close to the tracks. However, if a train conductor spots a human on the tracks, there isn’t much they can do because a locomotive requires a long stopping distance. In cases where the conductor, train company or other negligence is responsible, it is normally for one of the following problems:
- Derailed train
- Negligent train conductor who is distracted, drinking or not qualified for the job
- Going too fast for the area or tracks
- Defective train tracks
- Failure to brake on time
- Mechanical failure is the reason for about 10 percent of train crashes
- No railroad crossing protection for pedestrians and vehicles
- The engineer didn’t sound the horn in the locomotive when approaching a crossing
- Faulty crossing alarms, bells or the arm didn’t come down when the train was approaching
- Negligent scheduling where two trains are on the same tracks, which can cause a collision
Liability in a Train Accident
Just as in other accidents, more than one party may be liable for personal injury damages that include the loss of income, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. These may be the conductor or other employees, the company that owns or operates the train and supplier or manufacturer if a defective part is the cause of a collision.
Investigation of a Train Crash
Negligence by the train conductor, company or others must be shown to prove a compensation claim for an injured individual for a lawsuit to proceed. We send our investigators to the train accident site to compile the evidence that supports our client’s claim. This includes checking maintenance records, looking for company negligence and whether the train crossing was maintained. Once it has been gathered, our lawyers can use it to build a case for compensation, which may be used in negotiations with the insurance company or in court.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Accidents involving pedestrians and trains are fairly common and usually result in serious injuries or fatalities. If the train operator or company was at fault, the injured person may claim compensation to pay their medical costs, lost wages, and for pain and suffering. You can get in touch with me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. Those phoning long-distance can call (800) 404-5400. An online form to message me is available also.
Learn more about my firm at:
For over 38 years, I’ve helped people in Sacramento by successfully handling their personal injury cases, including train accidents, traffic crashes, and wrongful deaths.
I belong to the Top 1 Percent and the Million Dollar Forum.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_11765047_l-2015
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