TRAIN ACCIDENT: Amtrak Sues John Davis Trucking Over Train Crash

June 30,2011

Los Angeles-- The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against John Davis Trucking Corporation over a catastrophic train accident in Nevada, reports said.

According to reports, Amtrak has accused the trucking company of negligent acts that led to the crash. Amtrak has stated in the suit that John Davis Trucking was liable for hiring an unqualified and unskilled driver to operate the big rig.

The federal administered agency has sought unspecified damages for property loss, medical expenses of injured staff and passengers, and loss of business.

The truck driver died in the fiery crash on U.S. Route 95. The train conductor and four passengers were also pronounced dead at the scene. More than 12 people suffered injuries and were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities are still searching for at least 24 missing passengers, reports said.

According to reports, initial investigation showed that Lawrence Valli, the truck driver, failed to heed the train's warning signals. The big rig hit the rail crossing and crashed into the train's car.
Railroad marks at the scene showed that the truck stopped 320 feet before the railroad crossing. The train was moving 80 miles an hour westbound on US Route 95 when the collision occurred, reports said.

On Tuesday, an Amtrak staff has filed an individual suit against John Davis Trucking at Washoe County District Court. The injured train attendant has asserted $10,000 as damages.