A Caltrain in Palo Alto struck and killed a pedestrian on Friday afternoon, July 14, 2023.
The Palo Alto Police Department responded to the accident at Standford station by 5:40 p.m.
The cause of the accident remains unknown, but the involved train was determined to be the southbound train No. 126. Apart from the pedestrian killed, there were no other reported injuries among the train’s 150 passengers.
The authorities haven’t disclosed the identity of the victim. Due to the fatality, the Churchill Avenue crossing was closed, and train services were temporarily suspended.
The investigation into the crash continues.
Train Accident Lawyers in Santa Clara County
You should seek legal counsel immediately if you or a loved one has been injured in a California train accident. After you have filed an insurance claim for compensation following an accident or unlawful death, our prestigious law firm can serve as an impartial third party.
During the free consultation, one of our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain the following steps, and assess the variables that could affect the final compensation offer.
You can rely on our most reliable Santa Clara 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 a Train Accident
Train incidents can have devastating consequences, resulting in injuries, deaths, and significant property damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident, taking the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and legal protection matters most. A step-by-step guide may help you navigate the aftermath of a train accident and pursue any necessary compensation.
- Check for injuries and call emergency services if anyone needs medical attention.
- Dial 911 or the appropriate emergency number to report the accident and request assistance.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the train operator and other parties involved in the accident.
- Take photographs and notes of the accident scene, and record witnesses’ names and contact information if possible.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine after the accident.
- Report the accident to your insurance company and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
- Consult an attorney specializing in train accidents in California to evaluate your legal options and pursue compensation.
Fatal Train Accident Statistics
In 2016, train accidents resulted in the deaths of 893 individuals, which represents a 20% increase from the previous year’s total of 744. Additionally, hospital admissions for injuries that could have been fatal increased by 4%, or 5,780 individuals, between 2020 and 2021, with a 21% increase in fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings during the same period.
Roughly one-third of train accident victims eventually recover from their injuries, while it was estimated that train accidents caused 266 out of the 893 pedestrian fatalities in 2021. Over 3,216 commuters were injured in train accidents that year, and if these injuries were more severe, they could have been fatal.
In 2015, 66 individuals died due to grade crossing incidents involving automobiles and trains in the United States.