Bus Crash In Irving That Took Lives Of 3 Passengers Blamed On Driver

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Commercial Carrier Accidents on Friday, April 26, 2013.

Three people died and dozens of others were hurt as a result of a tour bus crash on State Highway 161 in Irving earlier this month. The accident, which involved no other vehicles, occurred when the 65-year-old driver veered out of his lane and hit a concrete barrier. According to a report by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver was at fault for the accident.

The three passengers that are now deceased were all ejected from the bus upon impact. The driver himself suffered three broken ribs, a punctured lung and various other injures. Four lawsuits have been filed in the wake of the accident: one on behalf of an assistant to the tour organizer; another by children of a 69-year-old passenger who died in the crash; and two more by surviving passengers.

Cardinal Coach Line, owner of the coach bus, reportedly carries $5 million in liability insurance, and the Texas Department of Public Safety reports there was proof of the company’s financial responsibility for the wrecked vehicle.

Accidents involving buses, large trucks and other commercial carriers can be very serious for those involved in them, whether passengers or other drivers on the road. Because of the risks involved in operating these large vehicles, there are strict federal regulations governing their safety, maintenance, and operation.

For example, both tour bus drivers and drivers of large trucks are bound by hours of service rules which define how many hours drivers may operate their vehicles without resting. Records of maintenance must also be kept and periodic inspections are made. Companies that fail to abide by these regulations put other drivers at risk and open themselves up to sanctions, as well as civil liability for injuries and fatalities they cause.