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Trucker Dies from Injuries Suffered in Amtrak/Truck Unguarded Crossing Crash

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Arlington, Texas – July 8, 2012)

After suffering in a virtual unresponsive state for nine days, a Kennedale, TX truck driver succumbed early Sunday morning at Fort Worth, TX John Peter Smith Hospital from massive injuries he received when Amtrak’s southbound “Texas Eagle” passenger train struck his 18-wheeler loaded with pallets of sod at a dangerous, unguarded crossing in far west Arlington, TX on June 29.

Raan Hunter, 32, who, with his wife, Megan, were raising  family of six children, ages 11 to 17, had the tractor of his rig split from the trailer and carried west down the track over 300 feet, wedged beneath the locomotive with the victim still inside. He was taken to the JPS Hospital in Fort Worth, TX, for treatment of a severe head injury, a broken left leg, lacerated liver, broken ribs and a broken sternum as well as internal injuries and bruises.

The private road entering the Howell Farms facility has no automatic protective systems such as flashing lights, bells or crossing gates, rather relying upon passive railroad crossbuck and stop signs to “warn” motorists of oncoming trains. Meanwhile, witnesses said they heard no sounding of a locomotive horn prior to the collision, Union Pacific spokesperson Raquel Espinoza said “There is a whistle board marker before the crossing, which is a sign for the train to blow its whistle.” Repeated media attempts to reach Amtrak for their side of the story resulted in a number of unreturned phone calls.


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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

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