Travel by train may seem like a fading concept in the country, but in Phoenix, it is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the addition of the city’s Metro light rail system. For those who have lived in the Valley for some time, the light rail has been a staple since construction began in 2005. Service started in 2008 and has continued to expand in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa since that time. The light rail has become so popular that it was the nation’s 13th busiest light rail system in 2014.
The goal of the light rail is to provide easy means of affordable transit to thousands of riders along the rail’s route while decreasing traffic congestion in those areas. To date, many would consider the light rail successful at those overarching ideas and some in the Valley are anticipating the continued expansion of the system into new, convenient, and desirable areas.
Unfortunately, though, not everything associated with the light rail has been positive. Numerous train accidents have occurred involving light rail vehicles and some of those collisions have involved passenger cars and even pedestrians. Several of these incidents have caused injuries that have left victims in need of medical care and attention. As victims are often seriously hurt, they may not know how to proceed with the action needed to obtain the financial compensation they deserve.
On Saturday morning, several people were injured when a box truck and a light rail train collided in Phoenix. The incident happened along Central Avenue near its intersection with Clarendon Avenue and may have started when the box truck attempted a left turn in front of the train. The vehicles collided with significant force and the truck rolled onto its side; the light rail train derailed from its tracks but remained upright after the impact.
Emergency crews were present shortly after the train accident and they assessed all victims who complained of injuries. In total, seven people were hurt and at least three of them needed to be taken to area hospitals. It is not clear exactly who was injured but at least one passenger on the light rail was confirmed to be among the victims.
When a train accident happens in Phoenix and victims are left with injuries, it is important for them to realize that they may be entitled to financial compensation for the totality of their damages which includes the medical expenses they are forced to incur. These rights are protected by local and state laws and cannot be denied by anyone responsible for the accident, including an at-fault driver or an owner of a car or train.
To help all victims understand their legal options, the personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. offer a free case consultation to those who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. We understand that accidents happen around-the-clock and that you may need answers after hours as a result so we have a lawyer available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and to speak with you. We never charge a fee for providing the consultation and there is no obligation on your part if you choose to speak with our lawyers.
If you have been injured or if your loved one has suffered due to an accident in Arizona, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Chain Reaction Accident in Glendale Injures Several, Including Infant, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 7, 2015.
Resource:
Light-rail service in Phoenix restored after collision, by Alexa N. D’Angelo and Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, The Republic, azcentral.com, published May 10, 2015.