Tucson Woman Fatally Struck by Train
Every year, there are nearly 2,000 train accidents in the U.S. (Federal Railroad Administration 2010). From these accidents, there are nearly 2,000 individuals killed or injured. As Tucson train accident attorneys, we are here to help the victims of these horrifying accidents get the justice they deserve.
On Sunday in Tucson, a woman was fatally struck by a train (KPHO 11/28/10). She was trying to cross the tracks when the train hit her. The operator called the authorities but she died shortly after.
The most common place where train accidents happen is at crossings. People and cars try to beat the train and pass over the tracks before it comes, but trains take over a mile to stop, so there may not be enough time for drivers and pedestrians to safely cross once the gates go down, signaling a train is approaching.
A typical train weighs 4,000 times the weight of the average passenger vehicle (FRA 2010). What seems like a slowly traveling train at a speed of 30 miles an hour can be devastating to cars and pedestrians with all the weight behind it.
To be safe around train tracks, always obey the traffic signals. Once you see the flashing lights and gates go down, wait until the train passes to proceed. Never assume that it is safe to cross the tracks after a train passes until the signals say it is clear. Often there may be another train coming from the opposite way that you may not spot initially and that could cause a fatal accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, you probably have a lot of questions. Call us today at Breyer Law for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280. We may be able to help you.
