The latest crash involving the popular multi-state bus service Megabus hit a little too close to home. Although no one was injured in the crash, several passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries. Bus crash lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm detail the legal action injured passengers can take after a crash.
This most recent Megabus accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Interstate 65 in Greenwood, Indiana, as the bus was traveling from Georgia to Chicago. There were nearly 50 passengers on the bus when it overturned on the Interstate, reportedly while trying to avoid a car. More than half of those passengers were injured, and six people suffered serious injuries.
The Megabus driver was trying to avoid a car that had been involved in a previous accident; however the rainy conditions caused the bus to lose control and turn over, coming to rest on its side. At least one lawsuit has already been filed against the bus company, claiming that defective windshield wipers caused the early-morning crash.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-934-6555
The lawsuit was filed by four Megabus passengers who were seriously injured in the crash. Among their injuries include knocked-out teeth, a separated shoulder, and facial cuts so severe they required stitches. The plaintiffs are claiming that Megabus failed to properly maintain its equipment and supervise its driver, who was heard complaining about the windshield wipers before the bus flipped.
Megabus Deaths Prompt Million-Dollar Settlement
In 2013, Megabus agreed to pay millions of dollars to settle lawsuits stemming from a crash in upstate New York. The accident occurred in 2010 on Onondaga Lake Parkway in Salina, NY, killing four passengers and injuring another 20. Six people consequently filed lawsuitsfor the injuries suffered and lives lost.
Click to contact our lawyers today
One of those lawsuits was filed by the widow of a man who was killed in the crash, which also occurred in the early morning hours. The Megabus crashed into a low-hanging railroad bridge on its way from Philadelphia to Syracuse. The widow and her children received a $3.1 million settlement from Megabus
Another passenger seriously injured in the crash received a very substantial settlement. The woman suffered fractures in bones all over her body, requiring multiple skin grafts and resulting in substantial scarring. She will never be able to return to her work as a successful computer program designer. At the time of the accident, she was riding on the upper deck of the Megabus in the back row. Ultimately, she had to move to Australia to be with her family.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Another victim suffered severe traumatic brain injury in the accident. He was also sitting on the upper deck of the bus, and agreed to a million-dollar settlement from Megabus. One of the passengers took her case to trial in 2013, and a jury ultimately awarded her about $677,000 in compensatory damages.
Among the claims argued in these cases included allegations that the Megabus driver was distracted by his GPS, causing him not to notice signs warning of the low bridge. The driver apparently went by at least nine warning signs, including three flashing lights, pointing to negligence on his part.
The driver told police that he had taken a wrong turn and was focusing on his GPS to get back on track to Syracuse. Any use of a personal GPS is against Megabus’s driver policy, which only permits drivers to use company GPS systems. These systems do take into account low bridges and other road features that could be dangerous for double-decker buses.
Between 2008 and 2010 Megabus was involved in about nine crashes, one of which resulted in a fatality. In those two years Megabus drivers were cited 73 times for traffic violations such as following too closely or improper lane changes.
Megabus is relatively new in the United States, but has become quite popular among young adults and cost-conscious travelers. The company promises low-cost travel across multiple states and brings in about $400 million in revenue every year.
Megabus lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm are currently investigating cases involving bus crashes that result in serious injury or death. If you or someone you love was injured in a bus crash, contact our firm immediately. Our case reviews and investigations are completely free and available to injured victims nationwide.
Call or text 800-934-6555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form