Archive for the ‘Train Accident’ Category

Train Crash Text Messaging Lawsuit Filed in California

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

We have talked about the dangers of text messaging while driving and have discussed the tragic train crash in California where 25 died when a train engineer became so distracted with sending and receiving text messages that he missed a red light signal and crashed head on into a freight train. Now we learn that a lawsuit has been filed by a Simi Valley mother who lost her son in this terrible train crash.

The lawsuit has been filed against the company that employed the Metrolink engineer. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board have said that the engineer sent and received dozens of text messages while on duty the day of the crash, including one he received just 22 seconds before the crash happened. Lawyers who filed the suit on behalf of this mother, are seeking “recovery of compensation for personal property damage and personal injuries.”

Obviously, the engineer was at fault in failing to pay attention to his job duties. His employer, who had no rules against text messaging or other like distractions, is also at fault for allowing this to happen. We will keep you up to date on this case as we learn more information.

Published by: Ron Kramer

Posted in Train Accident, text messaging | No Comments »

Train Accident in American Fork Takes Life of Driver

Thursday, December 25th, 2008

A driver injured when his Ford Explorer hit the side of a freight train in American Fork, Utah, succumbed to his injuries and died on December 24, 2008. According to a story in KSL News, the man, Cory D. Croft, age 40, was approaching a rural railroad crossing in American Fork in the early morning this past Wednesday when the crash happened. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office reports that the engineer of the train was unaware that the train had been hit and didn’t stop. Apparently, Croft drove through the crossing arms before his vehicle hit the train. A passerby happened to notice the wrecked car with Cory Croft inside of it and contacted authorities.

There was speculation in the comments to this story that this man was trying to commit suicide. Their was also speculation that the man was simply unable to stop on the slippery road just before the train tracks that more than a few commenters said were not properly plowed or treated with ice melt by American Fork utility people. There may also be the possibility that the vehicle malfunctioned. Rather than speculate, however, the public should let the law enforcement officials conduct a proper investigation into what the real cause may have been.

I would recommend that the family of Mr. Croft meet with a personal injury attorney to find out what remedies, if any, they may have available in this devastating vehicle crash. At a minimum, there are benefits available under the auto insurance policy that Mr. Croft may have carried to provide for funeral expenses and at least $3,000 for medical bills he incurred.

Published by: Ron Kramer

Posted in Personal Injury, Train Accident, Vehicle Injury | No Comments »