Accident Fatality Involving a Train Occurs Near Mikon and Yolo Streets
A pedestrian fatality occurred in West Sacramento on September 8 after the person was struck by a train. According to the West Sacramento Police Department, the fatality occurred around 5:27 p.m. close to Mikon and Yolo streets. The train that struck the pedestrian was traveling east at the time. The individual was declared dead at the accident scene. An investigation is underway by authorities with the Federal Railroad Administration as well as West Sacramento police to determine how the pedestrian fatality occurred.
Pedestrian Fatalities From Train Accidents
According to statistics by the Federal Railroad Administration, California led the country in the number of train accident pedestrian fatalities in 2019. Out of 236 reported incidents in the state, there were 75 injuries and 141 fatalities. Most happen at railroad crossings. Those who live following a pedestrian/train accident often suffer severe trauma such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and crushed limbs. Some of the reasons a pedestrian fatality or serious injury occurs include:
- Only one of every three crossings is equipped with warning devices.
- In some cases, the warning time for a train that is coming is inadequate to allow pedestrians or motorists to cross safely.
- The majority of train crossings lack lights, gates or are inadequate in other ways, resulting in a pedestrian fatality.
- Half of all railroad collisions happen at crossings with no protection or warnings.
- Grade crossing fatalities place California in the number two position in 2019 behind Texas. Grade crossings are locations where a train and roadway intersect each other. Many of these grade crossings have no protective barriers or warnings when a train is approaching.
Investigating a Pedestrian Fatality or Injury
Local police, as well as authorities with the FRA, investigate accidents that involve pedestrians and motorists in connection with a train collision. Investigators with my office collaborate with them to find out how the accident occurred and to discover who was at fault. This is necessary to help a grieving family or injured person obtain compensation.
Seeking Help From an Experienced Lawyer
Because there are many reasons an accident between a train and pedestrian can occur, having an experienced lawyer investigate the case can mean the difference between collecting compensation or not. Our investigators look for missing or malfunctioning crossings and camera footage that might have caught the accident in real-time. They check the engineer’s record for problems in the past for speeding, drinking, and other citations. The train itself is checked for mechanical issues and maintenance records. When the evidence has been gathered, our experienced lawyers can use it to negotiate with the insurance carrier or in court to obtain the compensation our client deserves.
Helping a Grieving Family
It is always difficult to lose a family member suddenly, and even more disturbing when that death did not have to occur. Family members experience many emotions from anger that their loved one was taken away, to grief, disbelief, and confusion. Being there for them emotionally can be a great comfort. Some ways in which family and friends can help include:
- Call, visit, or send a card or flowers, so the family knows you are thinking of them in their time of grief.
- Sending over food is not only customary but appreciated. Even a plate of home-prepared sandwiches, an order from a take-out restaurant, or other choices are usually welcome.
- Pitch in to help around the home, such as offering to babysit, mowing the lawn, or washing dishes.
- Offer to accompany the person who is making the funeral arrangements. This can be one of the most trying times, and having a sympathetic, helpful friend along is important.
- Remember that grief doesn’t stop once the funeral is over and continue to check in with offers of help or an outing and a sympathetic shoulder to lean on.
West Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento personal injury lawyer. When a loved one is lost due to negligence on the part of a train engineer or company that employs that person, the family can pursue damages through a wrongful death claim. Call (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. You may also use the online form, and I will get in touch with you.
Find out more about my law office below:
Since 1982, I have successfully handled many West Sacramento traffic collisions, cases involving wrongful deaths and traumas such as brain injuries.
I belong to:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
:cd llo [cs 771]