Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Pennsylvania Motorist Injured at Dangerous, Unguarded Norfolk Southern Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Upper Macungie Township, Pennsylvania – July 4, 2014)

About 2 ½ years ago, at the dark, dangerous and unguarded crossing of Norfolk Southern Railway tracks and Ruppsville Road in Lehigh County, PA, an unfortunate motorist collided with the side of a train he neither heard nor saw coming, resulting in near-total destruction of his vehicle and his admission to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

That accident occurred three minutes before midnight on February 6, 2012 at the crossing which then, as well as in four previous collisions occurring there, was not equipped with flashing lights or gates, which could warn motorists of the impending train.

In the early morning hours of Friday, July 4, 2014, history repeated itself as Alton Murray, 36, of Easton, PA, drove into the side of a Norfolk Southern locomotive pulling a train he never saw nor heard. Once again, the collision resulted in heavy, if not total, damage to his vehicle and a trip to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest where, two days later, he was still being given in-patient care for his injuries.  

It is virtually certain that lights and gates would have prevented this tragedy. 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%

According to Federal Railroad Administration-catalogued records, there is a daily average of the passage of four trains at a maximum allowable speed of 25 mph and the crossing sees almost 250 highway vehicles per day at an identical speed limit of 25 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