Train Carrying Hazardous Chemicals Derails in Antelope Valley

A train accident in Antelope Valley became like a scene from a summer blockbuster action movie, but this time, it is real – there is no one who will say “Cut!”

A 62-car train derailed near Littlerock, Los Angeles, reports said. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP), about 14 carriages of the train were packed with hazardous material.

Residents nearby feared of exposure to the harmful chemicals, but they were safely evacuated with the help of the Antelope Valley emergency response team. According to news reports, no fatality was recorded and officials are trying to determine if the hazardous material caused the derailment.

Train accidents can cause much disaster if not prevented. In the case of this accident, it is fortunate that no one was negatively affected by the dangerous substance.

However, some train mishaps result in serious injuries to train passengers and to other people involved.

According to the data released by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in 2010, 32 people were killed and 175 were injured due to train accidents in California. It is a much lower number compared to other traffic accidents, but it cannot be ignored. No one can disregard the fact that in any accident, a single fatality is enough to cause alarm to others.

Victims of train accidents have the right to demand compensation for the losses they have suffered. They should seek assistance from a train accident lawyer who will guide them with the legal procedures.

To know more about your rights regarding train accidents, you may consult with a Los Angeles lawyer. Your attorney will help you file a lawsuit and recover compensation for your losses. Contact our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Pickup Driver Dies in Moorpark Train Accident

A pickup driver died at the scene of a train accident in rural Ventura County yesterday morning.

According to Amtrak, a Toyota Tundra collided with a northbound Pacific Surfliner in a private crossing in Moorpark.

The pickup driver was still breathing and was even coherent when he was pulled by the CHP from the wreckage.

Sadly, he died even before he was brought to a hospital.
Nobody else was hurt in the crash.

Does the family of the driver have any legal recourse against the railroad company?
Not much.

Trains always have the right of way in railroad crossings just because of the simple fact that they cannot stop right away.

Other vehicles are supposed to give way and not the other way around.

The possible angle where the family can file a wrongful death case is by looking for negligence on the part of the rail company.

Did the company provide enough safety measures and warnings to prevent this type of accident? If they have been negligent then the family may be able to win the case.

2 High School Students Struck by Amtrak Train

Two students were struck by an Amtrak train as they were on their way to Springfield High School in Holland this morning.

According to reports, the two teenagers tried to beat the train at a crossing next to the school.

One of the students, 15-yer-old Cody Brown, was killed while 16-year-old Briana Mullinger was critically injured after the train accident.

The family of the students should consult with a car accident attorney to have their case evaluated prior to the filing of a wrongful death and a personal injury claim against the railroad company.

Since trains are considered common carriers, they are expected to exercise higher level of care compared to other vehicles.

This applies not only to the engineer but to the railroad company as well.

It may be true that the students may have been negligent in trying to outrun a train, however, since the railroad crossing is near a high school, these situations can be and should be expected.

Additional safety features could have been placed to make sure that reckless minors will not be placed in danger.

In that context, the families of the victim may have a chance to hold the railroad company civilly liable for their loss.