Two people died after a passenger train crashed into a car in Fresno County on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred early Tuesday night in East Conejo near Peach Avenue.
As per the report, the car driver attempted to drive around the downed railroad crossings when the train collided with the vehicle. The impact launched the car approximately 200 feet up the tracks.
The driver, 48-year-old Danny S., died at the scene, while his passenger was rushed to a local hospital, where officials later confirmed that she had died of her injuries. There is no information on the woman’s identity at this time.
As per CHP, none of the 1,300 passengers on the train were hurt during the incident. However, They are continuously investigating the crash.
Train Accident Lawyers in Fresno County
Many individuals have utilized public transportation, such as the metro, at some point in their lifetime. Despite its effectiveness and safety, there is still a possibility of accidents.
While train accidents have a lesser chance of causing harm or fatalities than other modes of transportation, they can still transpire. If a passenger or their family member sustains injuries from a train accident, they may be eligible for compensation.
You can rely on our most trusted Fresno County train accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 million for California clients.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What to Do After Train Accident
As a form of mass transportation, trains have been widely used worldwide for many years. While train travel is generally considered safe and efficient, accidents can still occur. Factors such as equipment failure, track defects, human error, or natural disasters may cause train accidents. It is essential to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: If you or anyone else has been injured, call for medical help immediately. If you are not injured, check on others needing medical attention.
- Report the accident: Contact the authorities and report the accident. It includes calling 911 or the emergency services number in your area. You should also inform the train company or the relevant transportation authority.
- Collect information: Collect as much information as possible about the accident, including the date, time, and location, as well as the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Preserve evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries sustained. You should also keep documents such as medical bills and police reports.
- Seek legal advice: If you or someone you know has been injured in a train accident, consider speaking to a personal injury lawyer who can advise you on your legal rights and options for compensation.
Train Accident Statistics
In 2016, there was a 20% increase in train accident fatalities, with 893 people losing their lives, compared to 744 the previous year. Additionally, the number of people who suffered severe injuries and were taken to hospitals increased by 4%, or 5,780 individuals, between 2020 and 2021.
Fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings also increased by 21% during the same period. About a third of train accident victims fully recovered, while train crashes caused 266 pedestrian fatalities in 2021.
In that same year, approximately 3,216 commuters were injured, and if the injuries were severe enough, they could have led to fatalities. The death toll from car-train collisions at grade crossings was 66 in the United States in 2015.