Greyhound bus crash left one dead, many injured

Interstate 70 East near Richmond, Indiana, was the scene of a deadly accident this past weekend when a Ford Mustang going the wrong way collided with a Greyhound bus. The driver of the Mustang was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Sheriff’s office. The bus driver was seriously injured and transported by medical helicopter to an Indiana hospital. The bus had 23 passengers on board, all of whom were sent to local hospitals.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s office reported the car that was going west in the eastbound lanes had been reported stolen from a nearby truck stop just before the crash. The bus was heading from St. Louis to Dayton, Ohio, with New York as its final destination, according to a Greyhound spokesperson.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 2014 Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics, in 2012, there were 30,800 fatal crashes on the Nation’s roadways, 3,702 of which involved at least one large truck or bus. In addition there were 367,000 nonfatal crashes involving a large truck or bus. The FMCSA reported that there were 764,509 buses registered in the United States in 2012. That same year, there were 280 fatalities in bus crashes. The highest percentage of fatalities was seen in school buses, followed by transit buses and then motorcoach.

Bus accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including weather, operator error, speed, driver fatigue, distracted driving and maintenance violations. Bus companies have a duty to ensure drivers are properly trained and licensed and that their buses are in proper working order. They also have a responsibility to make sure their drivers are properly rested and not fatigued. Bus drivers have a responsibility to keep their attention focused on the road at tall times and to follow all safety guidelines. They have a responsibility not to engage in distracting activities, such as cell phone use and texting while driving. Failure of bus companies and drivers to act responsibly is negligence.

What to do if you are in a bus accident

When a bus crash happens, the first thing that should be done is to get prompt medical attention for all of the victims, including driver, passengers, and anyone else involved. Be sure to get tested for back, spine and head injuries. Get a police report and begin to gather information about the accident. Consult an attorney. A bus accident is a traumatic event, and to obtain compensation against a bus company, you must follow specific rules and meet certain deadlines. An attorney can help protect your rights.

The Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys specialize in bus, truck and auto accidents. We can fight for you and your family. Contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Call 855-866-5529 or visit www.munley.com.