No doubt you've heard the news. Earlier this week, a Metrolink train carrying passengers to Los Angeles derailed when it struck a pickup truck and trailer that had become stuck on the railroad tracks. At the time of this writing, investigators still were looking into just what happened. But an attorney for Alejandro Sanchez-Ramirez says the farm equipment repairman was relying on a paper map to locate his work site when he mistook the railroad tracks for a street, turned onto the tracks and became stuck.

Upon seeing the oncoming train coming toward him, Sanchez-Ramirez panicked and fled. The train struck the truck, jumping the tracks and sending more than two dozen passengers to the hospital and, ultimately, Sanchez-Ramirez to jail.

The incident illustrates the dangers involved when trains and motor vehicles collide. The crossing where the accident happened has a history of deadly crashes and is ranked among California's two dozen most dangerous. Federal Railroad Administration records show that since 1976, the crossing has had 13 major accidents, 11 of which involved vehicles that either stalled in the crossing or became trapped by the gates. It's a spot where trains barrel down the tracks at full speed- and where a $35 million grade separation project involving the construction of an overpass for motor vehicles has been proposed for nearly 20 years.

Who knows how many other crossings nationwide have similar issues? In such cases, there may be more liable parties than just the train or track owner. If you suffer a loss in an railway accident, contact Rail Justice at 888-519-RAIL. We specialize in complex cases involving railroad liability and can help you secure fair compensation for your losses.