Some of California’s most serious accidents are those that involve big rigs. When a truck collides with a train, the potential for significant personal injuries is great. The most recent statistics available reveal that truck accidents are responsible for some 5,000 personal injury accidents each year, and hundred more fatalities. Fortunately despite significant numbers of personal injuries in last week’s San Joaquin area Amtrak train accident, no one was fatally injured. However area hospitals were busy as up to 50 people suffered minor personal injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered any type of personal injury, seeking the advice of a Sacramento personal injury lawyer is important. Even if you don’t believe you have sustained a personal injury -it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney who can answer your personal injury questions and protect your rights for the future.

Here, reports indicate that the Amtrak train derailed in the southern San Joaquin Valley after being broadsided by an 18-wheeler. The accident happened a little after noon south of Hanford, in Kings County. The train was on its way from Sacramento to Bakersfield/San Joaquin and was carrying 120 passengers. Fresno news reports that about 42 people were taken to six Fresno area hospitals. The truck driver was pinned by the accident, but only suffered minor injuries. As the result of the train/truck collision Kansas Avenue between Avenue 10 and Avenue 10 ½ were closed for several hours while authorities investigated just what led to the incident.

Whenever an accident occurs involving a large number of victims, many questions are raised. Further, in many situations more than one factor may have caused or contributed to an incident.

These questions include general inquiries into how the accident occurred. Was the train following proper procedures? Were the gates down and lights flashing at the intersection? Was the railroad properly maintained?

Further, did the truck driver or trucking company’s actions lead to the accident. For example – was the truck driver exercising reasonable care? Did he see the warning lights and ignore them? Was the train operating as it should? Were there any issues with the truck’s functioning – did the breaks work or were there any other potential defects? Further, did the trucking company’s actions play a role in leading to the accident? For example, did they require the drivers to work long hours with little rest? Did they perform proper maintenance on the big rig?

Because California is a comparative law state, the victim of an accident can collect compensation from anyone who is responsible for causing or contributing to the injured party’s harm.

For more information or if you have been injured in a California personal injury accident, please contact the top Sacramento personal injury attorney at Sette Law Office for an immediate consultation.