Case ID: so2d_214/html/0371-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "MANN, Judge.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Mrs. Charlie Lou UNDERWOOD, a widow, Appellant, v. SEABOARD COAST LINE RAILROAD COMPANY, a Virginia Corporation, successor to Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, a Virginia corporation, Appellee.
    No. 68-72.
    District Court of Appeal of Florida. Second District.
    Sept. 27, 1968.
    Thomas C. Marks, Jr., of Gibbons, Tucker, McEwen, Smith & Cofer, Tampa, for' appellant.
    Richard W. Reeves, of Allen, Dell, Frank & Trinkle, Tampa, for appellee.
   MANN, Judge.

Plaintiff’s husband was killed when his car ran into a train at a rural crossing. She appeals an adverse summary judgment in her wrongful death action.

The only substantial disputed issue of fact is relevant to whether the last clear chance doctrine might apply. Several witnesses testified that decedent slowed down and appeared to be barely moving before running into the front of the moving train. One witness, who may not have had as good a view, testified that decedent appeared to be going at a steady rate of speed prior to hitting the train. While the latter testimony appears the weaker, plaintiff is entitled to a jury trial to resolve this disputed issue of fact. Accordingly, we must reverse.

LILES, C. J., and PIERCE, J., concur.