Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Wisconsin Motorist Injured, Passenger Killed, at Dangerous, Unguarded Canadian National Crossing

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Brantwood, Wisconsin – June 25, 2016)

A 76-year-old female, believed to be the spouse of the 76-year-old male driver, died of her injuries from a late morning collision between the couple’s pickup truck and a westbound Canadian National freight train at the dangerous and unguarded crossing of Price County Highway D near Brantwood, WI Saturday. 

Neither the driver nor the passenger was identified by name or city of residence, and each was taken to a separate hospital. The woman was transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries, while the man was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI, where he remains hospitalized for his serious accident-resultant injuries.

The intersection of CN rails and Highway D is not equipped with any active warning devices, such as lights and gates, to warn motorists of the approach of the two daily CNR trains which cross there at a maximum allowable speed of 35 mph, according to Federal Railroad Administration records.  It is virtually certain that if this crossing was equipped with lights and gates, this collision would not have happened. Both Canadian National 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%.

The FRA also said that there had been another collision at the crossing in 2007, but that no injuries resulted from that crash.


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