Bus drivers, like taxi drivers, Uber drivers, and truck drivers, have a duty to their passengers as well as to others on the road to ensure that they are safely operating the vehicle at all times. This duty requires that drivers obey all the rules of the road and posted traffic signs, as well as using common sense when operating their vehicles. When a driver of a commercial vehicle fails to exercise the necessary level of care, and an accident results, that driver may be held liable for his negligence through a personal injury lawsuit.
In addition to the driver of the bus, truck, or taxi, the company that employs the driver may also be liable in some situations. When an employee causes an accident while working within the scope of his or her employment, courts may consider a claim against the employer as well as the employee. The legal doctrine that allows these claims is called respondeat superior. A court may also consider a claim for negligent hiring if the accident victim can show that there was evidence the company should have taken into account when making the hiring decision, such as past citations or suspensions.
Fatal Bus Accident Caused by Driver’s Aggressive Passing Results in Four Deaths
Earlier this month in California, a bus accident claimed the lives of four people inside. According to one local news report covering the tragedy, the accident injured a total of 18 people. Evidently, the driver of the bus was attempting to pass another vehicle before the lane the bus was in ended. The bus driver thought that the other driver was going to slow down and allow the bus to pass him before the lane ended. However, the other driver did not slow down and continued at the pace he was traveling. The bus was run off the road and collided with a support beam for an overhead sign, resulting in the accident that claimed four lives.
As it turns out, the driver of the bus has a past of serious traffic violations. Back in 2014, the driver was cited for illegal passing while driving a semi-truck. This citation ultimately resulted in his commercial driver’s license being suspended for two months. He also had another 2014 citation for speeding. Calls to the company that operated the bus have gone unanswered. Investigators also uncovered several violations regarding the condition of the bus from April of this year.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bus Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland bus or truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, you should be prepared to deal with the insurance company that will ultimately be defending the claim. The skilled attorneys at the personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies on behalf of their injured clients and know what it takes to be successful for their clients. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Traffic Laws May Bridge the Gap to Proving Legal Liability in Accidents with No Discernible Cause, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 3, 2016.
Deadly Accidents With Semi Trucks and Commercial Vehicles Are Too Common In Maryland, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 14, 2016.