Michael Flowers, 24, was fatally injured in a train accident the morning of June 25, 2010 after he was struck by a Gold Line train in Pasadena. According to a news report in the Pasadena Star-News, the fatal collision occurred on the Gold Line tracks at Del Mar Avenue, between Raymond Avenue and Arroyo Parkway.

Los Angeles police officials are still in the process of determining whether the incident was an accident or a suicide. Flowers, who was walking on the sidewalk, stepped in front of the train, which was southbound and had just left the Del Mar station. None of the passengers in the train was injured. Gold Line officials say all safety devices at the crossing were operating properly at the time of this fatal pedestrian accident.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Flowers for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Traffic Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 978 injuries involving traffic accidents in Pasadena. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of traffic accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Accident?

There are several questions that still have not been answered as far as this case is concerned. Were there witnesses to this accident who can corroborate Gold Line officials' statement that Flowers stepped in front of the train? Were all the signals and safety devices in fact operational and working at the time of this fatal accident? Was this crash the result of train operator error? I trust accident investigators are examining these as well as other factors in order to determine who or what is responsible for this accident.

Liability Issues

If this accident was the result of operator error or a problem with the safety devices, the railroad or transit authority could be held liable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future wages, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who will explore all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent or at-fault parties are held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California public entity must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury.

What safety tips do you have for pedestrians especially for those who walk near train tracks or have to get across train tracks?

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.

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