Friday, June 25, 2010

24 People Injured in Bus Accident Crash

In Atlantic City, a bus with 50 passengers from New York’s Chinatown crashed en route to Tropicana Casino and Resort when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle.

The crash happened at 11:30 a.m. on Route 40, less than two miles away from seaside casino resort. According to the police, the driver apparently was unable to stop the bus as it approached traffic stopped at a traffic light at the Great Thorofare.

The bus struck two other vehicles, swerved to avoid hitting others before it plowed straight into a retaining wall. The bus was badly damaged, its windshield was shattered and its front grill and bumper were gone. The passenger door was smashed and mangled.

Prior to hitting the wall, the driver was ejected from the bus and was run over by the runaway vehicle. 24 of the 50 passengers were injured and 1 was listed in critical condition. Passengers who were unhurt were taken to the resort.

Police and investigators are now examining the bus to see what may have caused the crash. Inspectors are also looking into the possibility that a mechanical defect may have contributed to the accident.

Sun Lee Bus Co. of New York City is the operator of the bus.

Buses are one of the most popular modes of public transportation in the United States. Some of the most frequent causes of bus accidents are the following:

• Fault or negligence of the bus driver
• Excessive speeding
• Negligence of other motorists
• Mechanical failure or defect
• Fall accidents while boarding or getting off a bus

As buses are considered “common carriers”, they are obliged under the law to be "fit, willing, and able" to provide safe public transportation services. Thus generally, a common carrier is often presumed negligent and deemed liable if an accident does happen.

So if you’re hurt in a bus accident, don’t hesitate to file a claim for damages because buses owe their passengers as well as the public extraordinary diligence in the operation of their vehicles.