You may recall the fiery crash in 2011 that occurred when a truck collided with an Amtrak train, killing 6 people including the driver of the truck and the train conductor. The controversial case is coming to a close after a jury has ordered the carrier to pay $4.7 million to Amtrak and Union Pacific Railroad.
The case was fraught with controversy the whole way through. Lawyers for the carrier, John Davis Trucking Co, claimed that Union Pacific Railroad officials tampered with or destroyed evidence that proved that a malfunctioning crossing gate and signal lights were the cause of the crash.
In response, the railroad companies presented video evidence that they claimed proved that the driver ignored the functioning gate, flashing lights, and blasts from the train’s whistle before crashing in to the train.
The jury sided with the railroads after the NTSB released a report which concluded that the crash was most likely caused by a truck with faulty brakes driven by a driver with a history of speeding violations.
Despite an award of $4.5 million to Amtrak and $210,777 to Union Pacific, the companies are filing another lawsuit seeking interest on the money awarded which would bring the total ruling up to $5.5 million.
In addition to these lawsuits, John Davis Trucking Co still has to contend with separate lawsuits which have been brought against it by the relatives of those who died in the crash.
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Image Source: AP
Ray says
My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by this.
Cary Davis says
This is a tragic event. Please take yout time out there and do not assume a train is not on the tracks! Slow down at all crossings. It’s just good sense!
Gary says
Circling back to the article in this week’s truckers report re: Walmart class action suit, trucking companies need to realize that driving a truck requires alertness, judgment, determination, driving skill and lots of “grit”. Drivers should be compensated accordingly, rather than insulted with pay that is below minimum wage–paying someone by the mile (only) needs to be changed and drivers need to be compensated fairly for their time and work done before and after driving. This applies to the many, many hours spent away from home, at the driver’s own expense, waiting to start earning again… There is also the issue of truck maintenance and safety–break downs caused by poor maintenance–the driver loses many hours with no pay. Think about this–nobody should work for free.
vince c says
It’s a shame and prayers to all the families, the trucking company is out of business now and that means at least 150 plus drivers, office personal were affected also. just shows you the impact that a tragedy like this can have. Best of luck to everyone!!