Fatality and Injuries Occur in Amtrak Train Collision at East Tabor Avenue
An Amtrak train collision occurred with a motor vehicle in Fairfield on April 26, resulting in one fatality and injuries. The accident happened at about 8:39 a.m. at the East Tabor and Railroad Avenues crossing. Authorities with the Fairfield Fire Department reported that the vehicle that was struck by the train initially hit another car, resulting in major damage.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause of Train Collision
One person died in the collision, while several others suffered major to moderate injuries and were transported to trauma centers for treatment. The accident is being investigated to determine fault and how it occurred.
Negligent Railroads Can Cause Motor Vehicle Collisions
When operating on tracks, railroads are required to obey regulations and perform regular maintenance to protect vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians that may cross. Upon failing to do this, they may cause serious accidents that can damage property, cause injury and even result in death. Railway negligence can result in several ways of holding railroads responsible in a train crash with another vehicle:
- Equipment defects: Railroads are responsible for ensuring their equipment, such as brakes, tracks, couplings and engines, are in proper working order. Railroads can be liable for train crashes caused by defective equipment if they fail to perform maintenance or use old, outdated machinery or parts.
- Track maintenance resulting in negligence: Railroads are responsible for properly maintaining tracks to ensure they are free of debris or other hazards that might cause an oncoming train to collide. In addition, worn tracks can lead to a train collision or derailment, so maintenance and repair are especially important. Rail companies can be held liable for damages resulting from train-vehicle collisions if they fail to maintain their tracks and crossings properly.
- Safety: Taking safety precautions when passing through railroad crossings and following all safety regulations is the responsibility of railroads and their employees when operating on the tracks. Railroads are liable for damages or injuries caused by employees who fail to do so.
Wrongful Death Claims After a Train Accident
In the event of the death of a loved one in a train collision, you should seek legal help as soon as possible so everyone is held accountable for the damages. Your case can be evaluated by a personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights. To recover financial losses and receive compensation for emotional and psychological trauma, the family may wish to file a wrongful death claim.
If an accident attorney determines that negligence by the railway company or others was the cause of death, the family of a deceased loved one can file a wrongful death claim. A person or entity must be proven to have caused the untimely death through negligence. It is possible for the estate administrator or members of the immediate family to file a claim. However, only one claim may be filed. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Amtrak Train Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith. I’m an Amtrak train accident lawyer. You may benefit from our free and friendly advice if you have lost a loved one or someone in your family has been injured in a train crash. If you have questions, please call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Additionally, you can reach us online.
See how our injury lawyers got fair compensation for our clients by clicking the links below:
The following associations make us proud to be a member:
Photo attribution: Image by Robert Owen-Wahl from Pixabay
:cd llo [616]