Oakland, CA (November 8th, 2023) A vehicle was hit by an Amtrak train today. Miraculously, the driver survived, but did sustain injuries. The accident occurred just before 7:30 a.m. near Jack London Square, according to authorities.
The man was driving an SUV when he was struck by a train at the intersection of Embarcadero West and Oak Street. It occurred just a few blocks from Jack London Square. Amtrak Train 524 was heading to Sacramento from Oakland at the time of the collision, according to Amtrak officials.
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The driver of the SUV maneuvered his vehicle around the train crossing arm and headed onto the tracks in the path of the train. Investigators assume the driver thought he could beat the train. The train was pulling into Jack London Square station and had slowed down quite a bit in an attempt to eventually stop, so it did not hit the SUV at full speed.
There is video of the accident that shows the SUV in front of the train with its door wide open, as the train pushed it down the track until it came to a full stop. There were 19 passengers and a crew on the train at the time of the crash. No one on the train was injured in the collision and Amtrak is working with law enforcement to investigate this accident.
The driver of the SUV was injured, although the extent of the injuries has not been revealed. The badly damaged SUV remained on the side of tracks for a while after the collision.
Liability In Oakland Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Oakland Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to the injured driver in this accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an Oakland car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
