Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Iowa Farmer Critically Injured At Dangerous, Unguarded CN Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Remsen, Iowa – June 12, 2012)

A 30-year-old resident of Remsen, IA suffered what were described as “incapacitating injuries” about 5:55 P.M. Tuesday afternoon when the 2009 John Deere self-propelled sprayer he was operating along Sunset Avenue near Remsen was struck by and heavily damaged by a Canadian National freight train.

David Keffeler was headed south toward the Sunset Avenue intersection with Iowa Highway 3 when he encountered the crossing, which has only standard railroad crossbuck and highway “yield” signs, completely lacking any form of automatic protective devices (flashing lights, bells or gates) which might have prevented the accident, and was hit by a westbound CN train he probably never saw nor heard over the noise of the machine he was operating.

The sprayer was knocked into a ditch on the west side of Sunset Avenue, completely destroying the $265,000 machine and ejecting the victim from the cab.

Witnesses to the accident believed that trees along the track may have obstructed Keffeler’s view of the coming train, and authorities said that trains and crossings in rural areas can be dangerous due to the lack of warning lights and crossing gates at so many of them.

Keffeler was airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA, while Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office authorities continued their investigation into the incident. The crossing accommodates two trains daily at speeds of up to 40 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