Amtrak won’t fight liability over fatal crash lawsuits
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Amtrak says it won’t fight liability in the first lawsuits filed over a fatal crash in Philadelphia that left eight people dead.
Amtrak admitted in court papers Friday that the train was speeding when it derailed and pledged to compensate victims.
Congress limits Amtrak’s liability to $200 million per incident. Courts may ultimately decide how that money is divided in the Philadelphia crash.
The passengers killed include business leaders, a Naval Academy cadet and an Italian wine broker.
Scores of people were also injured in the May 12 crash. Investigators say the train was going more than 100 miles per hour.
Amtrak’s statements Friday came in response to lawsuits filed by lawyers Thomas Kline and Robert Mongeluzzi.
They say they hope to learn more about what caused the crash.