Attorneys for two couples filed suit in a train collision with a parade float in Midland that killed four people.
Sergeants Richard Sanchez and Todd King and their wives are suing Union Pacific Railroad and Smith Industries, which owned the truck pulling the float carrying wounded veterans and their spouses.
The plaintiffs' attorney, Kevin Glasheen of Lubbock, says newly released information supports one of several allegations in the lawsuit.
"These lights and gates gave a 20-second warning time. TxDOT just released the design that was approved for this crossing today (Wednesday), and it shows the crossing was designed to give a 30-second warning time," Glasheen said. "Federal regulations and the U.P. Railroad's agreement with the state require that the railroad maintain the lights and gates."
Sgt. Sanchez is credited with pushing his wife, Heather, to safety during the collision. He suffered a fractured spine. Heather Sanchez sustained less serious injuries.
Staff Sgt. Todd King and his wife Laci also received non life-threatening wounds. Glasheen says other clients are expected to be added as plaintiffs to the lawsuit. It requests a jury determine compensatory and exemplary damages.
