Deadly accidents are often the result of negligence
A bus driver has pleaded not guilty to 15 counts of Manslaughter, 15 counts of negligent homicide and 23 counts of assault. In addition he has been charged with reckless driving and the aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
This all stems from an accident in March2011 when the bus driver, who had picked up approximately passengers from a Casino in Connecticut to return them to New York. He was apparently tired as he had not rested during his off hours but had been working instead. In addition he was driving under a false license as his own license was under suspension.
It is alleged that he picked up his passengers late at night and in the early hours he was allegedly “speeding, weaving in and out of traffic lanes and driving recklessly”. Certainly, just as the bus entered the Bronx, it swerved, rolled onto its side and then after skidding for 100 yards hit a metal support pole which ripped the bus apart and caused the fatalities.
There is a estimation that the bus was travelling at over 75mph just before it swerved and rolled over.
This crash has now prompted and investigation into discount bus tour companies, which have, up until now, had very little scrutiny or supervision. Further investigation is also going on into the bus drivers past in that he has already had jail time for manslaughter. More crucial is going to be the inquiry as to why he was allowed to operate without adequate scrutiny into his licenses. At the time he had 3 open suspension orders against him in a alias’s name.
The driver himself, were this in California would need to appoint Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers to represent him. Each manslaughter charge carries a maximum of 15 years jail time, this does not take into account the aggravating circumstances surrounding the cases against him of not being licensed to operate a bus in the first place and of sending misleading information to the DMV.
It appears that his attorney is pleading remorse and that the accident had been caused by another truck clipping him. This has not been verified.
In the meantime there are other claims that will now be lodged against the Bus Company and their insurers. Those injured or the families of those killed in the accident would want to appoint Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers as representation.
They could band together as a group and launch a mass action for all their costs. These costs are going to be considerable. All the living will now have their medical treatment plus the possible cost of counseling to deal with the shock of dealing with the decapitated bodies of their travel companions.
It is to be hoped that the bus company is adequately insured or has the financial backing to be able to recompense the awards that will possibly be given against it once this case comes to trial.
Source Driver in Deadly Bus Crash Knew He Was Dangerously Tired New York Times 1 September 2011