Commercial carriers, such as buses, trucks, trains, and taxi-cabs, all have a duty to their passengers to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and do everything reasonable to ensure a safe trip. This duty extends to others sharing the road with the common carrier as well. On occasion, however, a bus driver’s attention drifts away from the road, or a truck driver dozes off in the middle of a long journey, putting his passengers and others on the road at an increased risk. When this type of conduct results in an accident, that driver can be held legally responsible for his actions in violating the duty he owed to his passengers and others.
This type of case, generally brought under the legal concept of negligence, relies on an accident victim showing that the common carrier was negligent in attending to the duty he owes his passengers or others on the road, and that the breach of that duty resulted in the passenger’s injuries and damages. If this can be established, the injured party may be entitled to receive monetary compensation for the injuries they sustained in the accident. Such compensation is not normally limited to out-of-pocket expenses and may include additional amounts for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Minibus Accident in France Claims 12 Lives
Earlier last month, a devastating accident in France involving a minibus and a truck resulted in 12 Portuguese tourists losing their lives. According to one local news source covering the tragic event, the accident occurred while the minibus was taking the passengers from Switzerland back to Portugal.
Evidently, at around midnight the minibus inexplicably swerved out of its lane and into oncoming traffic. As the minibus crossed over into the opposing lane, an oncoming truck struck the minibus head-on. Sadly, all 12 passengers aboard the minibus died. The driver of the minibus, as well as the two Italian men in the truck, survived their injuries.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, although authorities have confirmed that alcohol was not likely a factor. It remains to be seen if the minibus driver will face any criminal charges as a result of the fatal accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?
While this large-scale accident took place across the globe, tragic truck accidents occur in Maryland on a routine basis. These accidents often leave family members looking for answers. The skilled personal injury attorneys at the Maryland and Washington, D.C. law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience helping accident victims and their families deal with the aftermath of tragic events and guiding them toward the compensation they deserve. While the process can be complex and seem drawn-out at times, the dedicated advocates at Lebowitz & Mzhen have a proven track record of success and do everything they can to make the process as simple as possible for their clients. Call 410-654-3600 today to schedule a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Driver Rear-Ends Amish Buggy, Killing One, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 24, 2016.
Logging Truck Driver Loses Control and Flips Rig, Killing One, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 3, 2016.