South Los Angeles, CA (November 25, 2024) – On the morning of Monday, November 25, 2024, 32-year-old Liliana Martinez-Soberano lost her life after being struck by a Union Pacific Railroad freight train.
Accident Details: The tragic incident occurred near East Florence Avenue and Graham Avenue in South Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Martinez-Soberano died at the scene. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that train accidents can raise complex legal questions, including the adequacy of safety measures and the railroad company’s responsibility to prevent accidents. Investigators will likely examine several factors, including:
- Pedestrian Warnings: Investigators will determine if the area has sufficient warning signs, signals, or barriers to alert individuals of oncoming trains.
- Railroad Procedures: Authorities will also examine whether Union Pacific Railroad employees followed appropriate protocols, such as sounding the horn or slowing the train if a pedestrian was visible on the tracks.
- Environmental Conditions: The investigation will also determine whether lighting, weather, or other external factors contributed to the tragedy.
In cases like this, liability often hinges on whether the railroad company maintained a safe environment and complied with all federal and state safety regulations.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, Martinez-Soberano’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims could compensate for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship if negligence played a role in the incident. To succeed, plaintiffs would need to establish that Union Pacific Railroad or another party failed to act with reasonable care, directly contributing to her death.
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Liliana Martinez-Soberano during this difficult time.
Source: My News LA