Public Transportation Accidents
Public Transportation Accidents
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury attorney. The following incident demonstrates why you need to retain a personal injury lawyer after a public transportation accident. The industry must closely adhere to numerous laws and regulations. When an accident happens, we can assess liability and hold the responsible parties accountable, securing fair compensation when appropriate.
What Happened?
On March 8, 2016, a commuter train on the way to Stockton from San Jose derailed, injuring nine people after it fell into a creek, according to the Alameda Sheriff’s Department. Photographs initially posted on social media showed one car half-way submerged in the stream. A second car also left the tracks but did not fall. Other cars were not affected.
What Caused the Accident?
Heavy rains contributed to the accident as a large tree apparently broke during the storm, falling onto the tracks and causing the derailment. Reports stated that four people were seriously injured while the other five suffered minor injuries.
A representative with the Altamont Corridor Express called it “a miracle” that no one died in the incident. The first car held seven people, including a crew member. First responders braved swiftly running waters to evacuate the passengers, and they were all shuttled to safety. Those who were not hurt were taken by bus to the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton for temporary holding. Train officials with the ACE indicated that 214 passengers were on board. The route runs between San Jose and Stockton, making eight stops. ACE canceled routes for the following day.
Passengers related their experiences, describing panic at the scene. One passenger, who was in the first derailed car, reported that he saw a woman under the train. A passenger in the second car described being thrown from his seat, causing a shoulder injury.
Watch Youtube video for additional details:
Public Transportation Accidents
Federal, state and local laws carefully govern the public transportation industry, including passenger trains. Regulations hold these companies to a high standard of care in order to protect passengers. They strictly enforce the laws to ensure passenger safety.
Regulations commonly address:
- Safe entry and exits, including lighting and accessibility
- Security as needed
- Qualified staff
- Regularly scheduled maintenance and
- Repairs to any vehicle design flaws.
We can investigate the cause of a train accident and hold the responsible parties accountable in the event of safety violations.
Assisting Those Injured in Public Transportation Accidents
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Public Transportation Lawyer. If you were the victim of a devastating tragedy, such as a train derailment or other public transportation accident, please call me at (916) 921-6400 or toll free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. You can also contact me via the convenient link located here.
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Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/the-latest-officials-now-say-9-hurt-in-calif-derailment/ar-AAgvJC0