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Railroad News

Union Pacific Train Kills Trucker At Dangerous, Unguarded Oklahoma Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(El Reno, Oklahoma – July 18, 2011)

A 61-year-old Tennessee truck driver hauling a load of bricks through unfamiliar territory Monday morning was struck and killed by a Union Pacific freight train hauling 100 empty coal hopper cars at the dangerous, unguarded crossing of UP Railroad tracks and South Choctaw Avenue near Union City, OK.

Jimmie Daniels, of Cookeville, TN, a driver for R. E. West Trucking Co., was headed for Austin, TX when he crossed the railroad tracks where “the train crossing has no warning lights or gates,” and is equipped solely with a pair of passive railroad crossbucks. Regardless, news media spokespersons continually referred to the crossbucks as “stop” signs, saying that the victim “failed to stop at the stop sign,” which did not exist.

The truck became fully engulfed in flames upon impact, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.


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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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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.

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