BRENTWOOD, CA (June 27, 2022) – Julia Mondragon, 41, of Dixon, Maria Nieves, 72, of Dixon, and Mercedes Regalado, 51, of Antioch were identified by the Contra Costa coroner’s office as the victims of the Amtrak accident that occurred in Brentwood, CA.
The East Bay Times reports that the women were in a 4-door sedan driving along the dirt driveway leading to a vineyard when it was hit by an Amtrak train at an unmarked crossing.
A fundraiser was being held at Bloomfield Vineyards for the family of a man who had passed away last week. East Contra Costa firefighters were on their way to the site of the fundraiser after someone fainted when they discovered the wreckage of the train crash.
Julia Mondragon, Maria Nieves, and Mercedes Regalado were three of the six people inside the vehicle impacted by the train. A child and man were also reported to be injured.
The train veered off the tracks and struck a parked SUV, although none of the passengers or crew members of the train were injured as a result of the crash. The train eventually came to a stop about a quarter mile from the site of the initial crash.
We will continue to update this story once more information becomes available.
Liability In Brentwood Train Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Brentwood Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the families of Julia Mondragon, Maria Nieves, and Mercedes Regalado. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a train accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. 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 (844) 966-0965.