June 15, 2012 – Bronx, New York – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a report stating that the fatal bus accident that claimed the lives of 15 people was caused by driver fatigue and poor driver oversight. A personal injury attorney can provide legal aid to victims of passenger carrier accidents.
According to Reuters, on March 12, 2011, a tour bus operated by Ophadell Williams ran off Interstate 95, crashing into an exit sign pole. The bus overturned and was nearly sliced in half by the support pole – killing 15 and leaving 17 others injured.
Williams had hardly slept within the three days prior to the accident. The bus was also speeding – travelling 78 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone.
The bus operator, World Wide Tours of Greater New York, has since been shut down for safety violations. Although federal law requires the completion of driver’s logs, the company took no action when Williams failed to submit his records. Williams had a history of 18 driving privilege suspensions spanning 20 years prior to being hired by World Wide Tours.
One of the most common causes of passenger carrier accidents is driver fatigue. In the U.S., buses transport 700 million people a year, and companies like World Wide Tours should be held accountable for their lack of safety oversight.
Contacting a New York Personal Injury Lawyer for Help
Located in New York, and also representing clients nationwide, the law offices of Gacovino, Lake & Associates can help you obtain compensation if you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a bus accident. Call 1-800-246-4878 for a no-cost consultation.
