Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Motorist Injured at Dangerous, Obscured, and Unguarded Norfolk Southern Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Hannibal, Missouri – December 1, 2013)

A 23-year-old Hannibal, MO resident, driving his 1993 Ford Ranger pickup truck southbound on Marion County, MO Road 433 just west of Hannibal, received undisclosed injuries when his vehicle was struck by an eastbound Norfolk Southern freight train at about 9:15 A.M. Sunday morning.

Justin T. Meyer was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment. Meyer’s vehicle was termed a “total loss“ by authorities. He encountered the train as it approached County Road 433 at an acute 60-degree angle and emerged from behind heavy tree foliage that made the train extremely difficult to see by any southbound driver. The road narrows extremely from both directions on the crossing approach, adding to the danger of the unguarded crossing which has neither flashing lights, bells nor crossing gates. It is virtually certain that lights and gates would have prevented this incident. Both Norfolk Southern and Operation Lifesaver know 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%.

The crossing has had a few accidents of identical nature as Sunday’s in the recent past, including a July 4, 2004 collision that injured two occupants of a southbound pickup truck when their vehicle was struck by an eastbound NS train, as well as a July 29, 2011 non-injury crash between another southbound pickup truck and an eastbound train.

Even though the railroad crossing is on a school bus route and a daily average of nearly a dozen NS trains cross there at a top allowable speed of 50 mph, there has obviously been no sense of urgency by railroad, county or state authorities to provide better public protection at the crossing. The angled crossing has heavy groves of trees on all four quadrants, making approach from either direction an extremely difficult maneuver.

Responding to the accident were the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Hannibal Police Dept., Marion County ambulance and Hannibal Rural Fire Dept. 


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