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Serval Injuries in Louisiana When Amtrak Train Hits Semi at Dangerous, Unguarded Canadian National Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Ponchatoula, Louisiana – November 4, 2015)

On Tuesday afternoon, Amtrak’s Chicago-bound “City of New Orleans” train with 83 passengers on board struck a semi-trailer truck at the dangerous and unguarded Canadian National railroad crossing of what is known as the Marine Power Road just south of the Tangipahoa Parish city of Ponchatoula at about 3:00 P.M., CST.

The collision, which was the fourth to occur at the private crossing serving the watercraft sales and service Marine Power Performance facility, was first reported to have caused injuries to some, although the locomotive engineer was the only one taken for medical treatment. There have been injuries, but no fatalities, suffered in the four collisions that have now occurred there.

A daily average of a dozen Canadian National freight and Amtrak passenger trains are said by the Federal Railroad Administration to operate over the road/rail intersection at a top allowable speed of 79 mph, yet the crossing does not have any active warning devices, such as lights and gates.

It is virtually certain that if this crossing was equipped with lights and gates, this accident would not have happened. Both CN and Operation Lifesaver know that 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%.


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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

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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.

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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.

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