Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Four Killed in Arkansas at Union Pacific Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Chicot County, Arkansas – July 15, 2016)

Thanks to poor governmental agency quality control, details were seriously sketchy and lacking in content in regard to a

A horrible quadruple fatality occurred late Friday afternoon at about 6:10 P.M., as a mother, her 15-year-old son and two family friends, yet to be identified by name, but boys 13 and 11, were killed in a collision with a Union Pacific freight train.  The collision occurred at the Chicot County, AR Union Pacific Railroad crossing of Old Masonville Road just north of Dermott, AR and southwest of McGehee, AR.  The motorist was driving a1997 Ford Econoline van westbound into a setting sun at the crossing when she was struck by the train.  According to Federal Railroad Administration’s rail crossing records, the crossing does not even appear to be on the inventory list.

Beverly Cater, 39, was driving with the three boys in the van when she was struck by a southwest bound UPRR freight train, one of a daily average of over a dozen trains that cross Old Masonville Road at that point at a maximum allowable speed of 60 mph. It is virtually certain that if this crossing was equipped with lights and gates, this collision would not have happened. Both Union Pacific and Operation Lifesaver know that lights and gates are the most effective type of protection at railroad crossings. Studies that have been conducted over fifty years ago confirm that lights and gates offer the ability to drastically reduce the number of vehicle/train accidents by as much as 96%.

Two of the occupants were killed at the scene, while the third died after being taken to an area hospital. The fourth victim succumbed to his injuries Saturday morning after being airlifted to a Jackson, MS hospital. All four victims were residents of Dermott, AR.


sb-news-bg

Railroad News



Testimonials

Train crash cases are unique and complex with many different potential pitfalls, such as federal preemption. Anytime I get hired or even get a call from a train crash victim, my very first call is to Nathan’s firm. Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.

James Perrin Lubbock, Texas

I have had the opportunity to work as co-counsel with Nathan on several railroad crossing accidents cases. In each case, Nathan always possessed an incredible knowledge of the law and the facts, possessed a great talent for aggressive - strategic legal planning and trial tactics while, at the same time, displaying great skill as an effective negotiator. I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation.

Scott McCluen Harriman, Tennessee

Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law. I had the pleasure of working with Nathan in a complex railroad personal injury case. I was impressed by Nathan’s knowledge, his work ethic, and his dedication to the client. I look forward to working with Nathan on future injury matters. I am also aware firsthand that he has obtained excellent trial and settlement results in numerous cases involving members of the public harmed by railroad companies.

Joseph M. Miller Mandeville, Louisiana

Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads. As a fellow personal injury lawyer, I have constantly been impressed with his depth of knowledge and his capabilities from case to case. I’d take him into battle with me any day against the biggest railroads and insurance companies on the planet.

Jon C. Clark Austin, Texas

Bob Pottroff has fought for the victims of the railroads’ callous disregard for safety more than any other attorney that I know. I should know because I am currently Chair-elect of the Railroad Section of ATLA.

Robert Schuetze Boulder, Colorado

Mr. Pottroff has shaken the rail industry to its very roots. Settlements are now more common as a result of the way he has exposed the industry’s wrongdoing.

Mike Easley Arkansas

Bob Pottroff’s work in railroad safety law is unmatched and he has been the source of great advice and phenomenal creativity.

Roger Brown Jefferson City, Missouri

In addition to his substantive contributions to railroad grade crossing safety, I have personally observed his untiring efforts and contributions to improving the integrity of the legal system.

Elizabeth Hardy Lake Charles, Louisiana

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
Testimonials