Metrolink Train Accident Fatally Injures Railroad Employee
A railroad worker was killed in a Metrolink train accident after his work truck, which was parked on freight tracks, was struck by a commuter train in the San Gabriel Valley. The Associated Press reports that the deceased person was a Union Pacific Railroad worker who was working with a crew the morning of March 20, 2010. Also injured in the crash were three Metrolink passengers. Thankfully, officials say those passenger did not sustain life-threatening injuries. There were 142 people on the train. No one else was injured.
I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this deceased victim for the tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also wish the injured passengers the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.
Accidents Involving Metrolink Trains
Over the last few years, the Los Angeles area has witnessed several accidents involving commuter trains. In September 2008, a texting engineer who ran a red light crashed into a freight train in Chatsworth. That collision killed 25 commuters and injured more than 150 people. Also, in 2005, 11 people died and 180 were injured after a man who said he wanted to commit suicide parked his SUV on the tracks in Glendale. The SUV's driver, however, jumped out right before the train hit. He was convicted of murder.
What Caused this Accident?
In this particular case, officials say they are certain that the railroad employee was doing maintenance work on the tracks and that there seems to have been no indication that he wanted to get hit by the train. It is however not clear where the work truck was parked on the tracks, whether the victim was driving over a crossing or whether the crossing arms or lights were working at the time.
Liability Issues
In this case, since the worker was fatally injured on the job, his family will be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. His family members would also be well-advised to look into the possibility of a third-party claim, which is usually worth a lot more than California workers compensation benefits. The third party here may be the Metrolink engineer or someone else whose negligence may have caused or contributed to this tragic crash.
A reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether there was any negligence involved and help secure fair compensation for the affected family members and injured victims. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
