San Jose, CA — April 24, 2025, four people were injured in a truck-train accident at about 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of North First Street and Charcot Avenue.

Authorities said a box truck was trying to turn left onto First Street when it collided with a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority train.

The driver of the truck, the train conductor and two passengers were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after the crash, according to authorities.

The crash disrupted light rail service in the area for a couple of hours as the truck was removed from the tracks, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a commercial truck collides with a light rail train, the focus of the investigation has to be on whether the truck driver exercised the level of caution required when operating near rail crossings, especially in a complex urban setting like San Jose. Intersections where rail lines and vehicle traffic intersect are inherently dangerous, and the law expects commercial drivers to treat them with a level of seriousness far beyond that of an ordinary roadway.

The legal expectation for truck drivers at these intersections is clear: they must confirm that the tracks are clear and that it is safe to proceed before making any turn or crossing. That means checking for approaching trains, assessing how much time is needed to clear the tracks and never entering the crossing unless it can be cleared without stopping. A left turn that ends in a collision with a moving train strongly suggests that one or more of those critical duties was missed.

At the same time, the layout and timing of the intersection itself should be examined. Was the signaling adequate? Were there flashing lights or crossing gates? Was there enough visibility for the truck driver to reasonably assess the situation? In urban environments, multiple traffic signals, heavy vehicle congestion and complex lane layouts can sometimes create confusion, but those factors only raise the expectation that a professional driver will exercise added caution.

Another important aspect is the weight and momentum of both the box truck and the train. Once a light rail train is in motion, it cannot stop quickly. The law recognizes that, which is why the burden falls more heavily on the motorist — especially a commercial driver — not to obstruct the tracks.

Injuries to the truck driver, train conductor and passengers, along with the disruption of transit services, highlight the broader impacts of a crash like this. It’s not just about the people immediately involved. A mistake at a rail crossing can ripple through a community, halting public transportation, straining emergency services and putting dozens or even hundreds of people at risk.

Ultimately, this crash is a reminder that intersections between rail lines and roadways are not places for hurried decisions or miscalculations. They require deliberate, careful action from everyone, but especially from professional drivers operating large, heavy vehicles. When that level of care isn't exercised, it doesn't just endanger the truck driver. It jeopardizes everyone who happens to be along for the ride.