Over the weekend, an 85-year-old man survived a train accident due to the reactions of the train operator. The man was operating a Chrysler Sebring convertible traveling on Interstate 270 southbound when he attempted to take the exit for Interstate 370 West. For reasons unknown, the driver did not make the exit and traveled through the air, landing onto railroad tracks and into the path of a train. The Norfolk Southern train’s engineer witnessed the vehicle heading towards the tracks and was able to slow the train down to 12 mph. The impact dragged the vehicle for 80 feet before coming to rest. The driver had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported to the hospital in serious condition. The Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating the accident, and Patrol Corporal Juston Wheetley credits the train engineer for the accident not resulting in a fatality. Authorities believe the driver may have a medical condition that caused the accident to occur.
Train accidents typically result in fatalities and serious injuries. Speed, size, and force of a train make the impact with a vehicle devastating. Train accidents can be caused by the driver of a vehicle, but they can also be caused by the negligence of a railroad company. Every year several railroad accidents occur due to the lack of warning devices at railroad crossings, derailment of trains, and inattentive operators. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a railroad accident, contacting an experienced St. Louis train accident attorney is necessary to determine if you have grounds to file a case.
The skilled train accident attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have handled numerous cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients’ damages. Our attorneys will investigate your accident, gather all necessary evidence, and fight to recover financial compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.