A Union Pacific train struck an 18-wheeler last month in St. Landry Parish and seriously injured its driver, a 27-year-old man from Marksville. The truck accident happened at about 7:44 a.m. at the U.S. Route 71 and Roy Baker Road rail crossing. Rescue workers transported the injured trucker to Rapides Memorial Hospital in Alexandria with moderate to severe injuries.
According to investigators, the trucker was crossing the railroad tracks into a loading area. He saw a sign giving instructions to tune his radio to a specific channel for loading instructions. He stopped on the tracks to switch his radio, heard the train and turned to see it about 10 feet from him.
Investigators said visibility is not an issue at the accident scene. Workers maintain the area well and it appears the truck driver was inattentive to the train. Authorities charged the driver with failure to yield to a train.
This specific railroad crossing has a history of accidents. In 2009, two people died near the crossing in a train-vehicle collision. In total, there were five train-vehicle collisions in St. Landry Parish in 2009, and three in 2010. Louisiana ranks fifth nationwide in train-vehicle collisions.
Collisions with 18-wheelers and trains usually have catastrophic consequences. Contact a New Orleans accident lawyer if you or a loved one suffers injuries in any type of automobile accident. A skilled New Orleans accident attorney is prepared to help you recover money for your injuries and suffering.