Two Union Pacific Railroad Workers Died In Mecca Train Accident
MECCA, CALIFORNIA (September 14, 2022) – Two Union Pacific Railroad workers died following a Mecca train derailment after a train hit equipment.
Riverside County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:00 a.m. near Bombay Beach and the Salton Sea. The two Union Pacific workers were operating the train that entered a sliding and collided with equipment.
The force of the impact caused the train to derail. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, both of the Union Pacific workers died following the train derailment.
A full investigation into what contributed to the freight train collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Mecca Train Derailment Accidents
Train accidents may seem like freak occurrences, but they are actually very common. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 893 in 2021, a 20% increase from the 2020 revised total of 744 and the highest since 2007. Nonfatal injuries totaled 5,781, a 4% increase from the 2020 revised total of 5,544.” Train derailments are among the most dangerous types of accidents that a person can be involved in. There are a number of steps that can be taken to help prevent derailments.
- Trains should always approach curves at a safe speed.
- Train tracks should be periodically inspected and properly maintained.
- Train tracks should be clear of all equipment and potential hazards.
When a worker is killed on the job, their family will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation is a no fault insurance scheme in California. There is no need for an injured worker or their family to demonstrate negligence for any collision. Depending on the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may also be able to seek aid through a third party liability claim.
A third party liability claim could be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. For example, the company responsible for maintaining a railyard or railroad tracks could be liable for a train derailment. Train tracks are not supposed to have equipment or other obstructions on them that could cause accidents. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any train accident.
- Work records for the train tracks should be examined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a train accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, though, train companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any train derailment. A train accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and get to the bottom of what caused an accident.
Investigating A Mecca Train Derailment Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two Union Pacific workers killed in this train derailment. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victims’ families. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Do you need more information about a Mecca train derailment accident? Our team of train safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
