Summer is a popular time for people to get out of the state and take a vacation, either on their own or with their families. While vacations are meant to be relaxing and idyllic, it is important to remember that they, unfortunately, are not immune from the hazards of everyday life, including Maryland bus and truck accidents. Many vacationers will find themselves on a bus to get to their final destination, or as part of a tourist activity. However, a recent bus accident is a sobering reminder that accidents can happen, even during vacations.
The New York Times reported on the recent tragic accident, which took place in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, just last month. A tour bus in Jasper National Park was specifically designed to carry visitors onto one of the continent’s largest glaciers. The bus was equipped with oversized tires for driving on ice and was climbing a rocky, steep road up to the Columbia Icefields when it rolled and plunged down an embankment. Emergency workers responded quickly, using helicopters and air and road ambulances to transfer the injured. In all, 27 people were on board, and 3 were tragically killed. In addition, 14 people were taken to nearby hospitals in critical, life-threatening condition, meaning there may, unfortunately, be more deaths resulting from this tragedy.
Those injured, and the family members of those who were tragically killed, may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the tour bus driver, or the vehicle manufacturer, or even the state park. Personal injury lawsuits can be incredibly complicated to pursue, even in the most straightforward of circumstances, and they become even more complicated in situations such as this one. For example, it is not clear what caused the accident, or whose fault it was. Additionally, it is common for agencies and organizations serving tourists to ask them to sign liability waivers. It could very well be that every visitor to the park, or at least those who get on the glacier tour bus, signed a waiver agreeing to waive all liability for any incidents that occurred. Sometimes these waivers are not enforceable, but it is difficult to know that ahead of time. Additionally, even if an individual does have the ability to file a suit, questions can arise about where to file suit—the plaintiff’s home state or where the accident took place? Because there are so many factors that go into these personal injury lawsuits, and because they can be incredibly confusing, Maryland plaintiffs who are injured whilst on vacation should contact a dedicated personal injury lawyer right away who can help them through the process.
Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus or truck accident while on vacation contact the Maryland truck accident lawyers a Lebowitz & Mzhen right away to talk through your options for recovery. Our attorneys can work with you to help you pursue a claim to recover for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Call us today to learn more and to speak with an attorney for free at 800-654-1949. You can also reach us through our online form.