Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Car train collision raises questions of railroad crossing safety

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

A collision near Windsor, Colorado between a car and a train on August 1 caused no serious injuries, but it did raise questions about the safety of the railroad crossing. Residents complain that the crossing has been a problem for years. The crossing itself is bumpy, needing to be repaved, while only a crossbuck exists to warn vehicles of the crossing. No equipment is present to warn oncoming vehicles of the presence of a train – neither lights nor gates exist at the crossing.

Residents also claim that the crossing has been receiving increasing traffic loads for years now, yet the road remains dark and the crossing unprotected. With conditions like these, there is little surprise that an accident did occur here. The surprise is that no one was seriously injured or killed – at unguarded crossings (those without active warning devices like lights and gates), fatalities and serious injuries are far more likely at those crossings without active warning. On a unit-of-traffic basis, gates are 80-90% more effective than crossbucks and stop signs.

Yet officials claim that the crossing will not see improvements this year, in spite of the fact that they’ve budgeted $156,250 for this very reason. While initially planning to outfit the crossing with safety equipment and fix the pavement issues this year, town officials who entered discussions with Great Western Railroad officials say that “budgetary concerns” are now preventing any action being taken. Knowing that the town set aside $156,250 for their part, it’s kind of obvious which side is causing the holdup.


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