File 2010.09: Hinton v. BNSF

Case Type: Railroad

Description:
A BNSF locomotive is pushing two cars across a street with the conductor riding the side ladder on the front boxcar. The train's flagman was on the ground directing traffic that was less likely to see the train in motion. A tractor trailer driver, who was on the phone, did not see the moving train to her right and didn't stop for the train or flagman, hitting the train and amputating the conductor's leg

Visualizations Produced:
The site of the accident was modeled with cad, aerial photos and accident photos. The train and tractor tractor were then placed at their known point of impact and moved backward at their known speeds. By either looking to her right, or by using her mirrors, the driver had many opportunities to see the train moving toward her.