The grisly crash was like something out of Hollywood’s special effects scene: a speeding, swerving bus tipped over, skidded on its side and smashed into and through a metal pole. The bus had been travelling at such an extreme velocity it was split lengthwise by the metal pole — in a frightening manner that decapitated some passengers.
Earlier this year, the New York City bus accident previously depicted killed 15 persons and injured 23, all of them passengers. The bus driver now faces 15 counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide plus 23 counts of assault; his victims face bereavement and trauma.
The bus driver is alleged to be guilty of reckless and negligent driving in addition to charges for not having a valid driver’s license. All claims that are hard to argue with when one considers that after flipping, the bus skidded on its side at an estimated 78 miles per hour.
Reports state that the driver indicated he had not received enough sleep prior to getting behind the wheel — apparently a personal choice. However, as in this case, sleep deprivation leads to many negative consequences, such as impaired judgment, and in this case the death of 15 innocent victims.
The families of these victims have likely asked themselves, “Why did it have to happen?” Due to the severity of the bus accident, the 23 persons who were physically injured may have suffered additional emotional trauma. All these parties appear to have a strong claim for damages against the apparently under-regulated New York City bus operator, “World Wide Travel of Greater New York.”
Professional legal counsel has experience with these types of court proceedings. They are adept at preparing a claim so as to highlight the faults of the defending party as well as the damage to the victims. Foremost among such counsel are personal injury attorneys who are able to provide knowledgeable advice to anyone affected by a motor vehicle accident.
Source: The New York Times, “Driver in Deadly Bus Crash Knew He Was Dangerously Tired, Prosecutor Says,” Colin Moynihan, Sept. 2, 2011
