A Long Beach police officer was injured in a train accident after his cruiser was struck by a Blue Line train the afternoon of July 7, 2010. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the injury collision occurred near Pacific Coast Highway and Long Beach Boulevard when a southbound train collided with the officer's patrol car at 16th Street. The officer had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported to a local hospital. He is expected to survive. Several passengers in the train were also taken to local hospitals with neck and back injuries. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

My heart goes out to all the injured victims in this crash. It is indeed fortunate that the police officer and train passengers did not sustain critical injuries. I wish them all the very best for a quick and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 27 deaths and 1,881 injuries involving car accidents in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year. In the last 20 years, 26 motorists and 51 pedestrians have died in collisions with Blue Line trains.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear how or why this train versus car collision occurred. Officials are still looking into whether the officer was responding to an emergency call or whether he ran a red light when the collision occurred. The police cruiser was westbound on 16th Street at the time of the crash.

In this particular case, if the police officer was at fault for the accident, then his employer, the Long Beach Police Department, could be held liable for the injuries caused to the train passengers. If this accident occurred due to train operator error, lack of proper signal systems or malfunctioning systems at the railway crossing, then, the transit authority or railroad could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. It is important to remember that any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident, under California Government Code section 911.2. An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options.

What are some of your biggest concerns about traveling by train? Do you feel safe taking the train?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.