LIRR Train Collides with Minivan, Causing Severe Injuries

According to local law enforcement officials, a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train crash happened when a minivan attempted to drive around downed gates at a train crossing in Hicksville. The LIRR train struck the minivan while heading through the city November 21.

A report from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) said the lights at the crossing were flashing and the gate was down, but the minivan’s driver still attempted to proceed past the crossing. The unidentified 60-year-old driver was transported to Nassau University Medical Center in critical condition. No one on the train was reported to be injured, although there was significant damage to the crossing sign, signal pole, light and gate.

The accident resulted in service being suspended for several hours in the area. Police officials did not immediately say if the driver will be cited.

Drivers must obey crossing warnings

There are some circumstances in which injured drivers may argue that a train crossing is inherently unsafe, and that it is too difficult to notice flashing lights or downed gates. That does not appear to be the case in this recent accident, however.

By law, all drivers must obey the rules of the road, including stopping at train crossings when the lights are on and/or the gate is down. A failure to do so could result in the driver being considered liable for any injuries he or she causes to passengers in the vehicle or on the train.

For further guidance on your options after a public transit accident, consult a skilled personal injury lawyer with Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP.