Michelle Espinoza Fighting for Her Life after Train Accident near Stokes Street and Southwest Expressway in San Jose
Michelle Espinoza Critically Injured after San Jose Train Accident near Stokes Street and Southwest Expressway
San Jose, California (July 13, 2019) – 14-year-old Michelle Espinoza has been identified as the teenager critically hurt after a train accident Wednesday morning in the area of San Jose, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened at an unspecified time Wednesday, July 10, near Stokes Street and Southwest Expressway.
According to police the teen was riding her bike east on Stokes Street and went around the crossing barriers, which were functioning. She peddled across the tracks when for unknown reasons she was hit by a southbound VTA light rail train as it made its way through the intersection.
Michelle Espinoza Critically Injured after San Jose Train Crash
A Good Samaritan reportedly pulled her off the tracks and administered CPR before emergency crews arrived. Espinoza suffered critical injuries including broken ribs and clavicle, a fractured skull, swelling of the brain, and other injuries as a result of the crash. She was transported to Valley Medical Center where she is fighting for her life.
Officials closed VTA train service temporarily between Hamilton and Fruitdale stations.
An investigation is ongoing.
Many pedestrians are hurt and several others killed in accidents in California every year. The causes of many of these pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, bad weather, wrong-way driving and failure to observe traffic laws. It is evident that negligence on the part of motorists is the leading cause of these accidents.
Pacific Attorney Group hopes that the person injured in this crash will get well soon.
Pedestrian laws require drivers to control their speeds and stop to allow pedestrians to cross the roads whether in marked or unmarked crossing areas. The authorities are still investigating to find out if the victim was in a safe zone along the road when the accident occurred.
Upon conclusion of the examination of the crash scene photos, vehicle condition, and other factors including recklessness, intoxication and distracted driving, the victim may have a right file a case and get compensation for their injuries.
If you have been involved in a traffic accident and got injured, it is important to get in touch with a litigator immediately for guidance. Insurance companies may want you to settle for much less than what you are owed and is highly recommended that you speak to a lawyer who will go to great length to ensure that justice is served and you are compensated in full. At Pacific Attorney Group, our attorneys are highly skilled and have years of experience in dealing with such cases as personal injury, auto accidents, and wrongful death. Call us today for a free consultation.
If you are the victim or a family member and would like a free copy of the police report, please contact Pacific Attorney Group at Click to call: 1-800-358-9617.
What You Need to Know about Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are always the most vulnerable segment of traffic. Data collected by The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) indicates that about 5000 pedestrians are killed in accidents and over 70000 injured annually. Although motorists shoulder most of the blame for these types of accidents, pedestrians are sometimes liable for these accidents.
In the event of an auto-pedestrian accident, parties are encouraged to note down as much information as possible about the accident. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the scene incident. Witness statements and police reports are also very important and should be collected promptly. The injured party can then approach a qualified personal injury attorney who will help them evaluate and pursue a claim. The injured pedestrian may recover damages including past and future wage loss, pain and suffering, and all past and future medical expenses. If a pedestrian is killed in the collision, their families can pursue full compensation for their economic losses resulting from the death.
