Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

South Carolina Enacts “John’s Law” To Deal With Ungated Railroad Crossings

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Columbia, South Carolina – June 21, 2011)

To commemorate the death of a young man, John Malcom Brabham III, a new South Carolina state law called “John’s Law” will require the SCDOT to significantly reduce the number of crossings lacking gates in the future. John was killed in a car/train crash in Sumter County at a CSX railroad crossing that lacked gates in July, 2009.

“John’s Law” requires SCDOT to inform the public of the locations of railroad crossings where it plans to install crossing arms and to immediately place traffic stop signs at extremely dangerous locations until money is available to install crossing arms. Officials say they are “in the process” of installing crossing arms at the crossing where Brabham was killed, and are also working to place locations of dangerous, ungated crossings on the SCDOT website in order to comply with the new law.

They expect to have the site up and running in a few weeks, but that is not all the agency will be required to accomplish under the new law. With the $4 million in federal grade crossing safety funds South Carolina receives annually, SCDOT will also have to increase the number of crossing gates it installs each year. Currently, SCDOT says it can only afford to upgrade 16 to 20 railroad crossings with gates annually, and when asked by news media representatives how many of the state’s 2600 public railroad crossings lack crossing gates, SCDOT officials were unable to provide an accurate figure. Candace Mathews, a friend of John Brabham, feels that “John’s Law” is a good effort, but she still wants to one day see crossing gates at all railroad grade crossings in South Carolina.


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