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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Charles Hunter hit, killed by Amtrak train in Summerland

  • By JOHN ESHER
  • News, Breaking News
  • Posted: October 15, 2024 EDT
  • Updated: October 15, 2024 02:33 AM EDT

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Thursday's collision near Lookout Park claims life of Ventura resident, officials say

Summerland, CA, (October 10, 2024) - A 63-year-old man was fatally struck by an Amtrak passenger train in Summerland Thursday morning, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

pedestrian hit killedCharles Thomas Hunter, 63, of Ventura, lost his life after being hit by an Amtrak passenger train in Summerland Thursday morning, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened at approximately 10 a.m. near Lookout Park, the Sheriff's Office said.

Tragically, the victim—identified as Ventura resident Charles Thomas Hunter—died at the scene as a result of injuries.

This is an ongoing investigation.

CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

According to statistics, train accidents cause approximately 2,500 injuries and 600 deaths each year. Train accidents such as this one can occur for several reasons, including train personnel error, train track failure, a mechanical error or malfunction, a signalman error, and reckless actions. 

All of these possibilities will be examined by officials during the investigation into the accident. Candice Bond, an experienced train accident attorney, said in cases such as this it's also imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer.

“Train crashes are often complex and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “A skilled attorney can protect the family of a victim from train companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize in an attempt to defend their negligence. Your lawyer will advocate for you by hiring expert witnesses, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding you through the legal process and vigorously protecting your best interests.”

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM 

Pending the results of any investigations, the family members of Charles Thomas Hunter may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Survivors of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.

Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Newsline, said, “Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights. An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during this difficult time, and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”


Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Tags: Latest News, Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, California, Lookout Park

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Charles Thomas Hunter and family

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