Pajaro, CA – In the afternoon of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a train-vehicle collision resulted in injuries to one man, according to KSBW.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 3:30 PM near a rail crossing approximately two miles east of Pajaro.
A Union Pacific freight train struck a flatbed truck hauling large water containers at the crossing. The impact ripped the truck’s engine from its frame and dragged the vehicle approximately 300 yards along the tracks before the train came to a complete stop. The driver of the flatbed truck was hospitalized with back pain and facial lacerations.
The collision caused a hazardous materials situation when a fuel tank on the train’s engine ruptured, spilling several hundred gallons of diesel. Emergency responders contained the fuel in a nearby ditch, preventing contamination of adjacent farmland.
The tracks, shared by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route, were cleared within two hours, and passenger service was not significantly disrupted. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined why the truck driver failed to stop for the oncoming train.
Personal Injury Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should evidence reveal that another party contributed to the injuries, victims may be eligible to file a Personal Injury Claim with the responsible party’s insurance, which can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
California Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
