Tabor Law Firm attorneys recently represented the family of a husband and father who was tragically killed when his vehicle was struck by a locomotive at a railroad crossing. Our attorneys quickly investigated the accident, hired engineering and accident reconstruction experts, and made a claim against the locomotive operator based on the arguments available under Indiana law. Using our early investigation and legal expertise, our attorneys opened negotiations with the railroad operator and secured a settlement to benefit the widow and children of the accident victim.
Both local and Federal government entities are responsible for enhancing safety features of locomotives and railroad tracks in an effort reduce the number of railroad crossing accidents.
INDOT’s most recent Safety Action plan is designed in an effort to:
- Reduce the number of public grade crossings
- Improve passive warning devices to ensure the warnings comply with the latest standards (pavement markings, rail crossing signage, stop signs)
- Upgrade active warning devices at crossings (flashing lights with gates and signals)
- Prioritize grade crossing security enhancements based on locations with a recent history of multiple collisions
- Provide education regarding railroad crossings.
Streets and highways in Indiana cities, towns, and rural areas are crisscrossed by a growing network of railroads. Vehicle traffic is increasing on all of Indiana’s roadways, and at the same time, railroads are being upgraded to support higher locomotive speeds and traffic. However due to budgetary constraints, safety enhancements are not able to be immediately implemented at all crossings. More than ever, Indiana drivers and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution with respect to railroad crossings.
In the unfortunate event that either you or a loved one are injured in a railroad crossing related accident resulting in injury or even death, contact the attorneys at Tabor Law Firm today
