[08-01-2023] Santa Barbara County, CA – One Person Killed After Being Struck by Train Near Modoc Road

A person was killed after being struck by a train near Santa Barbara on Tuesday afternoon, August 1, 2023.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident on the tracks near Modoc Road at around 4:45 p.m.

According to the reports, a freight train may have been the one that struck the person. The impact of the incident led to the victim’s death on the scene.

The identities of the people involved have not been determined. No further details were available regarding the crash.

Authorities are still conducting their investigation.

Renowned Train Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara, CA

You should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a train accident if you were injured or a loved one was killed. We would be happy to offer a free consultation and serve as impartial mediators if an insurance claim has been filed or will be filed due to an accident or wrongful death.

During your free consultation, one of our lawyers will assess your case, explain the following steps, and discuss what could impact the final settlement offer with you.

Our renowned Santa Barbara train accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have been recognized and awarded for their efforts in representing accident victims. To date, $750 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?

The following steps should be taken if you or someone you know is involved in a train accident:

• 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.
• Seek medical attention immediately to reduce injury severity. It is possible to detect internal injuries that have not yet manifested symptoms through scans and tests.
• Reveal only the necessary information when communicating with the other party’s insurance company, as they may contact you as early as the day of the accident. Before speaking with a lawyer, do not record statements or accept insurance settlement offers.
• Consult our California train accident lawyers to maximize your insurance coverage.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal 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 hits and kills or injures a person or a vehicle every two hours on average.

Each year, railway accidents claim the lives of over a thousand people. There were 2,300 injuries and around 600 fatalities.

When it comes to saving time and money, trains are far and away the best option. Passengers’ and workers’ security can be affected by several factors, including the expertise of the train’s conductors and the regularity with which trains are serviced.