Train Accident

October 22, 2009

Woman Killed by Amtrak Train

A recent seattletimes.nwsource.com article serves as a reminder of how important it is to use extreme caution when in close proximity to train tracks, whether you are in an automobile, riding a bike, or, especially, a pedestrian on-foot. According to the report, a woman was killed after being hit by an Amtrak train that was on its way to Seattle from Portland. The train accident in Washington occurred one mile north of Sumner on September 29, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. at a private train crossing along Burlington Northern property. The identity of the woman has not yet been released due to the accident still being under investigation.

It is never the best idea to walk along train tracks, yet this wrongful death accident marks the 10th death this year of a person trespassing on Burlington Northern property. Even if it were the 1st death, any loss is one too many. This recent accident raises the question as to what (if anything) is being done to deter trespassers at this location so that the risk of death and injury can be curbed.

Train accidents can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from operator negligence to train or track part failure. Whatever the cause of a train accident, negligence in some form is often to blame in which those who suffer as a result have legal rights that deserve to be protected. When an innocent victim is killed in a train accident, surviving family members may be able to hold those responsible liable for their loss and any financial consequences that result from the death. In such cases, family members may want to consult with a skilled Seattle train accident attorney to find out if they qualify to receive such compensation. It may also be in the best interest of an individual injured in a train accident to seek legal counsel as well, considering that train accident injuries can lead to steep medical bills, and even years of physical therapy and rehabilitation treatment.
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September 28, 2009

Two Injured and Hospitalized after Sound Transit Collision

By Kirk Bernard

Saturday afternoon, two people went to Harborview Medical Center after their car hit a Sound Transit train. The collision happened at Martin Luther King Junior Way South and South Kenyon Street.

Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Dana Vander Houwen said that their injuries were not life-threatening. The auto accident in Washington happened at about 3:20 p.m.

Vander Houwen also reported that no train passengers were injured. Seattle police spokesman Mark Jamieson said officers conducted traffic control after the collision, but did not have additional details about the incident.

According to Sound Transit spokesman Bruce Gray, the car was going southbound in Martin Luther King and made an illegal left turn on Kenyon. The train had front end damage and service was disrupted for about 30 minutes and passengers were taken by bus to the Rainier Beach station.
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April 28, 2009

Seattle Light Rail Accidents Result in Injuries

By Kirk Bernard

Friday afternoon in South Seattle, a woman sustained facial injuries when she ran into the side of a light rail train in testing service on tracks along Martin Luther King Jr. Way South at South Othello Street.

At Bernard Law Group, we handle personal injury lawsuits that are the results of auto accidents in Washington State every day. Call our attorneys at 1-800-418-8282. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Geoff Patrick, Sound Transit spokesman, said the woman, who was on foot, was running in a crosswalk at the intersection when she ran into the side of the moving northbound train. The train had a green light at the intersection. The injured woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment due to the Seattle pedestrian accident.