Accident at Folsom Boulevard Train Crossing Injures Pickup Driver
A train crash in Rancho Cordova recently caused injuries to a pickup driver when the vehicle collided with it on the tracks. The collision occurred around 12:50 p.m. at the Folsom Boulevard crossing at Mather Field Road and involved a Ford F-150 pickup and train operated by the Sacramento Regional Transit District. The pickup was cut in half by the impact as it was pinned up against a pole.
Pickup Driver Injured and Transported to Hospital After Train Crash
The driver sustained moderate to minor injuries in the train crash and was transported to a hospital. RT officials arranged a shuttle bus bridge between the stations at Cordova Town Center and Butterfield to transport passengers around the accident site. Regular train service resumed around 2:16 p.m.
Driver Reported to Have Driven Under Crossing Arm
Following a preliminary investigation into the cause of the crash, a spokeswoman for RT said the pickup driver attempted to cross the tracks as the train approached by passing through the crossing arm, which was down. The spokesperson also said the passengers and train operator were uninjured in the collision. Although road closures and traffic delays resulted from the train crash, the area was reopened around 40 minutes later.
When Railroad Crossing Gates Fail
Railroad crossing gates are designed to keep drivers and pedestrians safe by providing a warning when a train is approaching. However, on rare occasions, these gates can fail, leading to potentially dangerous situations, which can lead to a compensation claim. Gates should lower within 30 seconds or less of the arrival of an approaching train. However, this doesn’t always occur due to the following:
- Malfunctioning equipment: If the gate arms, lights or bells are faulty, they may not activate when a train is coming. This is an especially dangerous situation, as drivers or pedestrians may not be aware of the danger and put themselves in harm’s way.
- Power outages: In the event of a power outage, railroad crossing gates may not be able to lower. This could cause drivers or pedestrians to enter the crossing without warning of a train’s approach.
- Age of the equipment: Over time, railroad crossing gates can become worn or corroded. This could lead to problems with the gate’s operation, including an inability to activate when a train is approaching.
- Debris or snow: In some cases, debris or snow may block the tracks and prevent the gate from lowering. This could cause drivers or pedestrians to enter the crossing without warning of a train’s approach.
- Failure to sound the horn when approaching a railroad crossing is negligent. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, locomotive engineers must sound the train horn between 15 and 20 seconds before reaching a crossing.
When faced with a malfunctioning railroad crossing gate, it is important to stay alert and avoid the tracks. Motorists should stop their vehicles away from the crossing until the train has passed.
Legal Assistance When a Train Crash Injury Occurs
After being injured or losing a loved one in a train accident, it is crucial to get skilled legal advice from a lawyer. A train accident attorney can review your case, answer questions and let you know whether you can file a claim.
Sacramento Train Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento train accident lawyer. We can provide you with free and friendly advice about whether you can recover damages if you have been injured in a train collision. For more information, please call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Additionally, we can be contacted online.
To learn more about how our injury lawyers helped our clients obtain fair compensation, please click on the links below:
Our membership in the following associations is an honor:
Photo attribution: Image by Robert Owen-Wahl from Pixabay
:cd llo [655]