A car and train railroad crossing accident near Columbia, SC took the life of an 82 year-old grandmother. The train crash and her death came as a shock to the driver of the car, her 20 year-old grandson. She was passenger in his car, which became stuck on the railroad tracks after he swerved to avoid hitting a car that in front of him that stopped suddenly at the railroad crossing. The grandson was able to escape the vehicle, but was unable to save his elderly grandma before the train hit. The car was dragged by the train about 80 yards down the track. She died at the scene of the accident.
The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash. Preliminary investigation suggests that driver error was the main cause of the crash. It is not clear now whether criminal charges will be filed against the grandson.
The driver defends his actions and his family supports him. “…What fool tries to beat a train,” he said. “There was a blue car in front of me and for some reason he stopped and I had to veer out of the way so I wouldn’t hit him. Then I got stuck on the rails. So I just had to think fast and get out of there.”
If you have been affected by a railroad crossing accident, contact a railroad crossing car and train crash lawyer now to discuss your right to financial compensation. An experienced train accident lawyer can find the cause of the crash and help you recover the personal injury or wrongful death damages you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced railroad crossing accident attorney.
