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Oklahoma Officials Urged to Make Railroad Crossing Safer Following Fatal Train Accident
Oklahoma Officials Urged to Make Railroad Crossing Safer Following Fatal Train Accident PDF Print E-mail
Written by Legal Intern   
Friday, 01 March 2013 14:58

Train_accidentIn the aftermath of a tragic accident in which two women were struck and killed by a passing train, Oklahoma City residents are voicing concerns about the safety of the railroad crossing. The crossing in question is located near the busy intersection of Britton and Western in Oklahoma City, and has no safety arms that come down to warn cars of an oncoming train. Although concerned citizens say something needs to be done to make the railroad crossing safer, since so many drivers attempt to beat the train there, there are no plans at this point to prevent future train accidents at that intersection. If you have suffered injuries in a train accident in Oklahoma, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal train accident, consult our knowledgeable attorneys at Atkins & Markoff today to discuss your possible compensation options.

Devastating OKC Train Accident Kills Two

The fatal train accident in Oklahoma City took place early on the morning of February 16, killing 44-year-old Miayi Mathis and her 61-year-old mother, Loyce Adeymi. According to Oklahoma City Police, the warning gates were down at the major intersection of Britton and Western, but the accident occurred just down the street at a railroad crossing that does not have gates, only flashing lights. The railroad crossing obviously poses an ongoing problem, as one nearby resident said, "I've been here approximately four years and this is the third train [and] vehicle collision that I've seen since I've been here." According to police who responded to the deadly train accident, the area can be confusing for unfamiliar drivers, and they have responded to several accidents in the same location over the years.

Railroad Crossing Missing Warning Gates

The railroad crossing at Britton and Western is busy enough for federal guidelines to require the presence of safety arms that come down when a train is coming. At the crossing where Mathis and Adeymi were killed last month, however, there are only flashing lights – a warning easily missed by drivers unfamiliar with the area. The city has reported that it receives complaints about railroad crossing safety relatively often, but that it's up to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to pay for the railroad warning gates. Representatives of the ODOT say they consider a number of factors, including traffic, when deciding in what areas to use federal funding to make safety improvements. Unfortunately, the crossing where the fatal train accident occurred doesn't qualify.

Contact Our Experienced Attorneys for Help

Although train accidents may seem like an uncommon occurrence, this type of incident actually occurs quite often in Oklahoma and across the United States. In 2012 alone, there were a total of 44 train accidents in Oklahoma – 37 of which were derailments and three of which were collisions. Due to the sheer size and weight of trains, the consequences for victims of train accidents are typically catastrophic or fatal. If you have been injured in a train accident in Oklahoma City, or elsewhere in Oklahoma, contact our reputable lawyers at Atkins & Markoff for legal help. Our experienced attorneys will review your case and can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or party found at-fault in the train accident, in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
 




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