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Railroad News

Montana Motorist Killed At Dangerous, Unguarded BNSF Railroad Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Chester, Montana – March 12, 2012)

An as-yet unidentified female motorist died instantly March 12 about 3:00 P.M. when her southbound Ford F-150 pickup truck was struck and heavily damaged at the intersection of Tiber Road, about 5 miles west of Chester, MT by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train traveling at 55 mph.

The train, consisting of three locomotives and 70 freight cars going from Pasco, WA to Dilworth, MN, was allegedly whistling for the crossing, which is equipped solely with standard railroad crossbuck signs, and lacks flashing lights, gates or bells to protect drivers from collisions with trains.

The Montana Highway Patrol, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and BNSF Railway officials were all investigating the tragic accident.


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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.

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