In New Mexico, many people rely on public transportation on a daily basis. Although public transportation provides individuals with a cost-effective way to travel within a city, there are risks that are associated with this mode of transportation.
To help protect passengers, under New Mexico law, bus drivers are considered “common carriers,” meaning they are responsible for the safety of passengers. However, unlike other automobiles, many buses do not have seat belts and other safety features that are generally present in cars. Furthermore, bus drivers often suffer from fatigue and distraction as they become over-confident driving the same route day after day. As a result, accidents are a sad but frequent consequence of using public transportation.
Although there are varying rules and regulations outlining when and under which circumstances a city bus driver can be sued, it is important to note that a lawsuit is possible in many situations. It is very important that individuals who are injured in a bus accident seek medical treatment right away. Often, pain and discomfort do not make themselves readily apparent right after an accident. However, in order to preserve your claim, it is crucial to seek treatment. An attorney can help injured passengers pursue the compensation they are entitled to receive.
Multiple Fatalities Following Accident Involving Tour Bus and Semi-Truck
According to a local news report, a terrible crash occurred last month in California, causing the death of over a dozen people and injuring many others. Apparently, the accident occurred in the early morning hours on a major highway.
Evidently, a semi-truck driver was carrying food products on the highway when a tour bus slammed into the back of the truck. The tour bus lodged itself over 15 feet into the back of the truck. Sadly, there were over 40 people on the tour bus, and 13 of those passengers were killed on impact. Many of these individuals were foreign tourists. The semi-truck driver suffered very minor injuries. Some witnesses told authorities that many of the passengers were sleeping at the time of the impact.
An initial investigation did not yield any definitive cause of the accident. However, as with airplanes, there is a sort of “black box” on board tour buses that may lead investigators and police officials to a better understanding of what caused the accident. An initial investigation did determine that it looked as though the bus driver did not apply the brakes before the collision.
Have You Been Injured in a Trucking Accident or as a Passenger on a Bus in New Mexico?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Mexico truck accident or as a passenger on a bus, you should seek legal assistance to determine your rights and remedies. An attorney at the Fine Law Firm can assist you in apportioning fault and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries or losses. You may be entitled to payments to cover your medical expenses, including past and future costs. Contact an attorney at the Fine Law Firm today at 505-889-FINE to schedule your free initial consultation with one of the firm’s dedicated personal injury attorneys.
More Blog Posts:
Semi-Trucks Present an Increased Danger to Bicyclists and Motorcycle Riders, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 18, 2016.
State Appellate Court Reverses Jury Verdict for Plaintiff in Accident Lawsuit, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 12, 2016.