Merced County, CA (October 12, 2023) A woman was killed on Wednesday afternoon when she was struck by a freight train in Merced County. Deputy Michael Domingue of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said that accident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the North Winton Way and Santa Fe Drive area.
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The pedestrian was believed to have been a middle-aged woman who was walking on the train tracks when the collision happened. Emergency crews arrived and pronounced her dead at the scene. The train’s engineer stopped and called the police after the accident. Officers said he cooperated with the investigation.
The pedestrian’s death is being investigated by the Merced County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office while the BNSF railway police are leading the investigation on the collision, according to authorities. Witnesses reported seeing the woman on the tracks, but why she was there is unclear.
Liability In Merced County Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
-Speeding
-Drunk driving
-Driver distraction
-Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision 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. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the factors of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Pedestrian Accident In Merced County
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone you care about been injured in a car 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965