Richard Young (Full Name: Richard Christopher Young) Died In Shafter Car Accident Between Pickup Truck and Train By Orange Street and Burbank Street
SHAFTER, CALIFORNIA (April 20, 2022) – One person identified as Richard Young has tragically died in a Shafter train accident involving a pickup truck by the intersection of Sante Fe Way and Cherry Avenue.
Kern County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 2:00 p.m. on Friday. A pickup truck driven by Richard Christopher Young was hit by a train and dragged along the tracks for several hundred feet before coming to a stop.
The force of the impact caused the pickup truck to burst into flames. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help Richard Young.
Sadly, the pickup truck driver died due to their injuries. A full investigation into the Shafter collision remains ongoing at this time.
There are reports that Richard Young’s vehicle became disabled on the tracks prior to being hit by the Amtrak train. What may have caused this remains unknown
Liability In Kern County Train Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in crashes with trains every year. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 757 in 2020, a decrease of more than 12% from the 2019 revised total of 862 and the lowest since 2015. Nonfatal injuries totaled 5,479, a 33% decrease from the 2019 revised total of 7,983.” Trains can be deceptively fast. Many people on the tracks do not realize they are in danger until it’s too late. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a train accident.
- Trains are more likely to derail if they are speeding.
- Train accidents are more likely to occur if an intersection doesn’t have crossing arms.
- Train accidents are more likely to occur if trucks get stuck on the tracks.
Train accidents are typically very complex events. Depending on the specific facts of any case, there could be numerous liable parties for a train accident. Train operators have a legal obligation to scan the tracks ahead of them and slow down to prevent accidents. Even if a pedestrian or vehicle is totally stationary on a set of tracks, the train operator must take measures to avoid hitting them.
The city or company responsible for maintaining a set of train tracks could also be liable for a train accident. If there is a defect with a set of tracks, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of ways that tracks could be in a dangerous condition. For example, a railroad crossing may lack gate guards. A crossing could also cause vehicles to become stuck on the tracks. These kind of accidents are very common. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any train accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The tracks at the accident site should be examined.
The family of any victim that died in a Shafter train accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is extremely important that evidence is preserved after an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Kern County Train Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Richard Christopher Young who died in this Shafter train accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make this railroad crossing safer.
Do you need more information about a Shafter train accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
