Award-Winning Jazz Musician Andrew Speight Died In Burlingame Train Accident By The Caltrain Broadway Station After Car Became Stuck On Tracks
BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA (December 5, 2022) – An award-winning jazz musician identified as Andrew Speight was killed in a Burlingame train accident by the Caltrain Broadway Station.
San Mateo County officials are saying that the accident took place on Thursday afternoon. Andrew Speight was crossing a set of Caltrain tracks near Broadway Station when his vehicle became stuck on the tracks.
His vehicle was subsequently hit by a northbound and southbound train. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
Tragically, Andrew Speight succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. He was a well-known fixture in the jazz community and lectured at San Francisco State University and San Francisco State’s School of Music.
There is no word on what may have caused the victim’s vehicle to become stuck on the tracks. A full investigation into the Burlingame train accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Burlingame Train Accidents
Train accidents are actually much more common than many people may realize. According to Rail Safety Education,”2,145 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2021. There were 234 crossing fatalities and 669 crossing injuries in 2021 across the U.S. Approximately 68% of all 2021 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in these states.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a train accident.
- Speeding trains
- Distracted train operators
- Inclement weather
- Poorly maintained tracks
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for a train accident. Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, pursuant to California Civil Code 1714. In the San Francisco area, BART and SFMUNI own the tracks for their routes. Union Pacific and BNSF own the majority of tracks across California. If one of these companies failed to properly maintain their tracks, this could form the basis of a negligence claim in the event of an accident. For example, badly poured concrete near a railroad crossing could lead to a driver becoming stuck on the tracks.
The company or municipal entity that employed a train operator could also potentially be liable for a train collision. Train operators must undergo rigorous training and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must obey all speed limits and exercise due care to avoid hitting any pedestrian or vehicle upon the train tracks. A good train operator should also use their horn to alert others who may be near a set of train tracks. If a train operator fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a stationary vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any train accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The train tracks where the accident took place should be examined.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any train accident. To make matters worse, police officers, city officials and railroad companies will nearly always blame any person that is struck by a train for the accident. But this is wrong. The family of any person that is killed 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 come with the sudden loss of a loved one.
Investigating A Burlingame Train Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Andrew Speight. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that steps will be taken to make this crossing safer so that other tragedies can be prevented.
Do you need more information about a Burlingame train accident? Our team of railway 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, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
