One person died after an Amtrak train collision in Berkeley on Wednesday afternoon, October 4, 2023.
According to the Berkeley Police Department, the incident happened near Harrison Street around 5:35 p.m.
Authorities confirmed that the victim died at the scene. The train halted and blocked Gilman Street, pending its reopening.
No information was released regarding the victim’s identity, pending the results of the investigation.
Dedicated Train Accident Lawyers in Alameda County, CA
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a California train accident, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. In the event of an accident or wrongful death, our personal injury lawyers can assist you as an impartial third party.
During your free consultation, a member of our legal team will evaluate your case, explain the next steps to take, and consider any factors that could affect your compensation.
You can rely on our most reliable Los Angeles train accident lawyers at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your claim or effectively represent you in 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
Serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage are frequently the result of train accidents. You must take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and legal protection if you or a loved one has been involved in a railway accident. Having a step-by-step guide can make it easier to deal with train accident consequences and pursue the compensation you need.
- 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 a California train accident lawyer to evaluate your legal options and pursue compensation.
Fatal Train Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council reported that 893 people were killed in train accidents in 2021, a 20% increase from 744 deaths in 2020. Between 2020 and 2021, hospital admissions for potentially fatal injuries increased by 4%, or 5,780 individuals, with a 21% increase in fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings.
A third of train accident victims eventually recover from their injuries, while 266 of the 893 pedestrians who died in 2021 were killed in train accidents. That year, over 3,216 commuters suffered injuries in train accidents, which could have been fatal if they had been more severe.
About 1 in 6 injuries and illnesses that aren’t fatal are caused by the railroad. In 2021, 26% of the 893 deaths that happened that year occurred at railroad crossings. In 2021, there were 3,216 injuries and illnesses on the railroad that did not lead to death. Of those, 66 were caused by accidents at highway-rail crossings.