Pokora v. Wabash Railway Co.

United States Supreme Court

292 U.S. 98 (1934)

Relevant factsFree

John Pokora (plaintiff), unable to see the main track as he approached a multi-track railroad crossing in his truck, stopped and tried to look and listen but heard nothing before proceeding, without exiting his truck for a better view; he was struck by an unseen train and sued Wabash Railway Co. (defendant) for negligence. The trial court directed a verdict for Wabash on grounds of Pokora's contributory negligence, and the court of appeals affirmed.

IssueFree

Whether an individual approaching a railroad track in a private car is required to stop, get out of the car, and look for oncoming trains before crossing the track.

Holding & reasoning

The court resolved the question by applying the controlling rule to the facts and explaining precisely why the outcome followed. Its reasoning ties the doctrine to the record so you can reproduce the analysis on an exam.

Procedural history, concurrence & dissent

This section traces the case from the trial court through appeal and lays out how each opinion lands. Separate writings sharpen the majority's limits and flag the arguments most likely to resurface in class.

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