[05-15-2023] Alameda County, CA – Three People Injured After Train vs. Vehicle Crash in Oakland

Three people were injured after a train vs. vehicle crash in Oakland late Monday night, May 15, 2023.

According to the transit officials, the collision occurred around 11:35 p.m. at the trackway between the Fruitvale and Lake Merritt stations.

The pickup truck reportedly drove on East Eighth Street when it crashed onto the tracks and was struck by a Daly City-bound BART train.

BART’s media relations manager, James A., claimed that the injured train operator was transported to an area hospital for treatment. One passenger also sustained injuries, but it was unknown if the person was transported to a local hospital.

Officers from Oakland Police Department provided medical care to the driver at the scene. They also administered a field sobriety test to determine whether drugs or alcohol were one of the causes of the crash.

Forty-five passengers was evacuated, and service between the Lake Merritt and Coliseum stations was halted.

As the incident was being investigated, BART crews repaired the damaged tracks. Regular service was resumed at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

Reliable Train Accident Lawyers in Oakland

Contact a lawyer as soon as possible following a train accident. We will be happy to provide a free consultation and serve as unbiased mediators if an insurance claim is filed or will be filed due to an accident or wrongful death.

One of our attorneys will evaluate your case during our free consultation, outline the process, and discuss factors that may influence the final settlement offer.

We have the best Oakland train accident attorneys in California. Our lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have been recognized and awarded for their efforts in representing accident victims. To date, $500 million in compensation has been awarded to accident victims.

Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to set up a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

What Should You Do After a Train Accident?

If you are involved in a train accident or know someone who is, here are some things you should do:

• Call 911 as soon as possible to report the crash. Ensure the police or insurance company has all the necessary information, and don’t make any assumptions.
• Avoid admitting fault, even to the authorities. Provide as much information as you can about the crash.
• Medical attention should be sought immediately to reduce the injury’s severity. It is possible to detect internal injuries that have not yet manifested symptoms through scans and tests.
• The other party’s insurance company may contact you as early as the day of the accident. Only reveal information that is necessary when communicating with them. Before speaking with an attorney, do not record statements or accept insurance settlement offers.
• Consult our California train accident attorneys right away to maximize your insurance coverage.

Train Accident Statistics

Eight hundred ninety-three people died in train accidents in 2021. The number is 20% greater than the total of 744 in 2020. Also, 2021 recorded 5,781 individuals admitted to hospitals due to nonfatal injuries, a 4% increase from the total number admitted in 2020, which was 5,544.

According to the National Safety Council, deaths at highway-rail crossings increased by 21% between 2020 and 2021, while deaths involving other accidents increased by 20%. The fatality rate for the latter was 94%, or 617 individuals, all of whom were trespassers.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, a train strikes and kills or injures a person or a vehicle every two hours.

Each year, train accidents result in over a thousand fatalities. It caused approximately 2,300 injuries and 600 deaths.

Trains are the most effective mode of transportation for traveling quickly and efficiently. The conductors’ experience level and the frequency of train repairs are two variables that can affect the safety of passengers and employees.