Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Amtrak Train Kills man Attempting to Rescue Dog from Union Pacific Track

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(La Conchita, California – October 16, 2012}

An as-yet unidentified man, who was walking his dog north along the corridor of the Pacific coast, Highway 101 and Union Pacific Railroad tracks, was killed Tuesday afternoon about 2:45 P.M. near La Conchita, CA by Amtrak’s northbound Coast Daylight passenger train when he successfully attempted to save his best friend, only to pay for it with his own life.

La Conchita is a seaside community, and the noise of both highway traffic and Pacific Ocean breakers could have contributed to the man’s inability to hear the train in time to save both his dog and himself. Sgt. Eric Buschow of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said the victim did not appear to be wearing headphones or anything else that might have impaired his hearing, even though the Amtrak locomotive engineer sounded his engine’s horn, but could not stop the train in time to keep from hitting the victim.

Sgt. Buschow said witness statements led him to believe the death was the result of a tragic accident, and that an autopsy was pending with the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The man was declared dead at the scene while the dog scampered back to La Conchita, where officers would attempt to both identify the victim as well as notify his next-of-kin.

Two Amtrak trains and five Union Pacific freight trains operate through the rail corridor daily at a top speed of 55 mph.


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