A few passengers of a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train were injured in a San Francisco train accident the morning of December 9, 2009, CBS News reports. There were 75 passengers when the train derailed near a downtown Oakland station. One man suffered a seizure and another sustained back injuries. Officials say no serious injuries were reported as a result of this accident. BART officials said the five-car train was traveling at about 15 to 30 mph in an underground tunnel when it suddenly derailed. Officials, who are investigating the cause of the derailment say a set of wheels on the lead car went off the rails.

I'm relieved that this train accident near Oakland did not cause catastrophic injuries or death. I wish the two injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Recent California Train Accidents

Recently, there have been several accidents involving public transit trains, buses and trams in San Francisco and Los Angeles, some of which have caused catastrophic injuries and fatalities. On July 18, 2009, 48 people were injured after one train rear-ended another at the West Portal Station, in San Francisco. Although this Oakland train derailment was not as serious as others that have occurred over the last year or so in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, it is still a concern for commuters who count on public transportation to take them safely to their respective destinations.

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

In any train accident, there may be a number of factors leading to the crash or derailment, such as driver inattention, errors on the part of the engineer or other employees of the transit system and lack of proper maintenance of the trains. Lately, texting and talking on cell phones while operating a train has led to catastrophic accidents. The Chatsworth Metrolink train accident, which killed 25 and injured more than 150, was caused by a train operator who was texting moments before the crash.

If you have been injured in this or other train accidents, please contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled such cases and will make sure an injury claim is promptly filed on your behalf. You would be well advised not to speak with any insurance adjusters or attorneys for the transit authority or sign any papers. Please remember not to take any such action until you have consulted your own lawyer.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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