(Indio, CA) An Indio Boulevard train crash resulted in the death of Jose Arroyo, 49, on the rail tracks passing through Indio.
On Tuesday, August 12, a little before 2 a.m., the Indio Boulevard train crash occurred. According to the Indio Police Department, it happened on the railroad tracks near Indio Boulevard and Hoover Avenue.
When police investigated, they learned Jose Arroyo walked on the tracks. At some point, an eastbound train struck Arroyo. By the time officers arrived, they pronounced him dead at the Indio Boulevard train crash site. It was unclear why Arroyo was on the tracks. The Union Pacific Railroad Police are investigating the fatality.
Legal Opinion on the Indio Boulevard Train Crash
The Indio Boulevard train crash that killed Jose Arroyo highlights both pedestrian safety rules and the responsibilities of rail operators. Walking on train tracks without permission is prohibited under California Penal Code 369i. It makes it unlawful to trespass on railroad property. Even though a pedestrian was on the tracks does not automatically release the train operator or railroad company from liability.
Railroads are subject to both federal safety regulations and California Public Utilities Code 7604, which require trains to sound their horns and take steps to warn or avoid collisions when hazards are detected. Investigators from the Union Pacific Railroad Police will examine whether the train crew used its horn, emergency brakes, and lights properly before the impact. They will also review the train’s event recorder data and any on-board video. If the crossing area or right-of-way lacked fencing, warning signage, or lighting, there could be grounds for a negligence claim against the railroad for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Jose Arroyo’s family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning the family can still recover damages if they prove the train crew or railroad acted negligently, even if Arroyo was partly at fault for being on the tracks. Damages could include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
What the Family Can Do
The family should contact a wrongful death attorney with experience in train accident cases as soon as possible. Evidence such as the train’s event recorder data and crew statements should be requested immediately. The attorney can also investigate whether the Indio Boulevard and Hoover Avenue area has been the subject of prior safety complaints, which could strengthen a negligence claim. Even in situations where the pedestrian may share some responsibility, California law still allows recovery if the railroad’s negligence contributed to the fatality. Acting quickly will protect the family’s rights and help ensure accountability for this tragic loss.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
