Train Drags Pickup Truck A Half Mile After Crash, Driver Arrested

In Portland, Tennessee, a truck got stuck on the railroad tracks at the North Swamp Road crossing. The train was able to come to a stop in an isolated rural area when the pickup truck became lodged on the front. It was difficult for first responders to navigate to it, and the entire process of freeing the truck took over four hours. The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, the Highland Volunteer Fire Department, CSX Engineers and officials and the Portland Fire Department all responded to the scene.

The driver was able to escape before the train hit his truck and dragged it down the tracks half a mile. However, according to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, the driver was taken into custody for a suspected DUI.

While one would think that these types of situations would be rare, this is evidently the third accident involving a train and a motor vehicle in the Robeson County area in the month of February. On February 1st a pickup truck was hit by a train in Springfield. After that, another car was hit by a train in Greenbrier. In these situations, one driver failed to stop at a railroad crossing, and the other driver claimed s/he did not see the flashing railroad lights at the train intersection.

Some Safety Tips

Because trains are so fast, powerful, and hard to stop, it is recommended all drivers and pedestrians adhere to the safety rules. For drivers, it is necessary to pay attention to signs and signals, which are found typically several hundred feet before a crossing. It may seem like common sense, but never try to drive across train tracks or try to race a train. For pedestrians, the only safe and appropriate place to cross a track is at a pedestrian crossing. All drivers and motorists have to abide by a duty of care.

Train Accidents in Nashville

Pursuant to Federal Railway Administration regulations, railroads must file accident reports with the federal government– no matter who is at fault. In some situations, the railroad companies are also required to try and make contact with injured parties.In 2013, there were a reported 929 injuries and 251 deaths caused by train-car accidents.

Call our Nashville Personal Injury Lawyers Now: Maximize Your Compensation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages or even punitive damages. The Nashville law firm of Calhoun Law, PLC represents people and families in the cases of car accidents, truck accidents, and train accidents. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation to speak with one of our accident lawyers.