Bus Collides with Train Injuring 10

On the morning of April 26, 2013, a freight train struck a transit bus injuring ten passengers and the driver. The bus was carrying senior citizens and people with developmental disabilities ranging in age from mid 20’s to 92. The accident occurred when the bus entered the crossing and stopped on the tracks. The engineer of the train rung his horn and tried to halt the train, but could not. The bus came to a halt about 20 feet after, but did not overturn.

The accident occurred a little after 8 AM in Evans City, Pittsburgh. Officers are still investigating whether the morning fog was a factor in the crash. The passengers on the bus were around 20 years of age to 92 years-old. Three men and one woman were taken to the hospital to be treated for their wounds.

According to a paramedic supervisor, one victim suffered a serious head injury. Before the crash occurred, the victims were being taken to a nonprofit program that encourages growth and independence for people with special needs.

Bus Accidents Caused by Human Error and Weather Conditions

As of recent times, bus accidents have been occurring quite commonly and leaving devastating effects. Recently, a Texas bus crash left many elderly people injured while a tour bus crash in Oregon took several lives. In many of these cases, weather conditions played a contributing factor.

However, even despite the weather, bus drivers are legally responsible to drive in a manner that is safe for current road conditions. Even if the bus driver is traveling at a speed lower than the legal limit, it may still be too fast for weather conditions. Driving on slick roads or through fog requires bus drivers to be extra cautious as to protect all passengers. If a bus driver fails to do so, the bus driver or bus company can be held liable for injuries suffered by passengers.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Unfortunately, many victims who are injured in a bus accident must deal with medical treatment and expenses. In some instances, their injuries may even result in lost wages. If you were recently involved in a bus accident that caused significant injury, you should seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney.

The attorneys at Bond and Taylor will work to earn you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact us today in order to earn a substantial settlement for your injuries. 

Family Sues Toyota for Mother’s Death

A 59 year-old woman died while driving her Toyota Camry – one of the many vehicles were recalled for uncontrolled acceleration. Her family believes that the manufacturer is responsible for her death and is filing a lawsuit against the company.

Before the woman crashed her vehicle into the Sacramento River, she called her daughter and told her she could not stop the vehicle. The phone call took place shortly before the woman crashed and died. Unfortunately, by the time responders arrived at the scene the female was submerged under water in the back seat of her Camry.

According to the family’s attorney, their investigation illustrates that no brakes were applied at the time, which is consistent with brake failure.

Vehicle Recalls and Sustaining Injuries

While deaths caused by vehicle malfunctions may be rare, vehicle malfunctions do exist and may cause severe injury. While most vehicles are safe, manufacturers commonly make mistakes. Recently, several extremely popular vehicle manufacturers issued recalls due to defective airbags. Toyota has issued recalls previously because of their unintended acceleration and faulty power window switch which was seen as a fire hazard.

Unintended acceleration can cause severe danger. In one instance, a man was traveling at 80 MPH and could not stop his vehicle. He had to seek emergency help. Depending on the situation, the injuries can be serious – like in the event where the 59 year-old woman crashed into the river.

As a result, Toyota announced a $1.1 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits alleging the unintended acceleration.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Manufacturers have a lawful duty and responsibility to provide products that are safe for public. Legally, all manufacturers can be held liable for products that should have been safe, but caused injury to consumers.

If you were recently injured in an accident caused by a vehicle malfunction, you should speak to a defective product attorney immediately. A defective product attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation for your physical pain and financial injuries. Do not be taken advantage of by a large corporation. If you have been injured, take legalrecourse and contact us today. 

7 Year Old Nearly Dies of Orange County Pedestrian Accident

I can't imagine anything more painful than seeing your child harmed and not being able to do anything about it.  But this is exactly what happened on Tuesday night when a 7 year old darted into the street in Santa Ana, CA and was struck by a car.  Her mother watched helplessly as her child was struck and then dragged an additional 15 feet.

This single mother was understandably terrified that she may lose her daughter.  As new residents moving into the neighborhood, it was also a sobering lesson on street safety in the neighborhood.  Following multiple surgeries, the child is stabilizing.

Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Devastating

It's no secret that pedestrian accidents can be life altering.  In the blink of an eye, your entire life could change.  Cars are huge machines that weigh anywhere between 700lbs to 1 ton.  With that much steel, your body doesn't stand a chance.  Our bodies aren't meant to withstand that kind of pressure, no matter how many times popular medical dramas show you otherwise.

Pedestrians struck by cars can suffer the following injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal and back injuries
• Severe scarring, burns
• Broken bones
• Loss of limbs
• Paralysis
• Death

Protect Yourself

Cars can seemingly come out of nowhere sometimes.  And even when you feel you've alerted the driver to your presence, they may not see you.  Therefore, it's up to you to try to take as many precautions as possible to ensure your safety.  This includes:

• Wearing bright colors or reflective gear at night
• Not darting out into the street
• Looking before you cross
• Keeping within cross walk lines
• Letting cars pass before crossing behind them

If You Have Been Injured

If you are a pedestrian that has been struck by a car, your entire life could change overnight.  You may be seriously injured and require years of care to try and repair your damaged body.  You may never work again. Don't suffer needlessly. Instead, consider calling a skilled personal injury attorney to obtain the help you need. 

THE RISK OF TEENAGE DRIVING FATALITIES

Parents of teenagers have a lot to worry about.  But nothing is as scary for a parent when they have to hand the car keys over to their teen.  If the idea of turning your teen loose on the world behind the wheel of a thousand pound death machine keeps you up at night, you’re not alone.  Statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tell a tale of woe among teenage drivers.  As expected, they’re not all the careful drivers we hope they are.

Fatal crashes are especially high in the summer months when teenagers are out of school.  Statistically, fatal car crashes rise by nearly a thousand deaths in the summer months.  And in teenage driving cases, the monthly average of 363 crashes rises to 422. The risks skyrocket even higher in the month of August, deemed the most dangerous month to drive.

SUMMER VACATION INCREASES RISK OF DRIVING FATALITIES

But why are teenage driving fatalities so common in summer and not in the winter?

• During the summer months, teenagers are out of school and likely bored.  Without 8 hours of classes and extracurricular sports and clubs in which to participate, your teen might want to grab some friends and go for a ride. With no particular aim or particular destination, trouble can be waiting around the corner.
• Teenagers are new and inexperienced drivers. Let’s face it; teenagers are still pretty new to driving.  Even with extensive driving instruction, or white knuckle supervision on your part, teenagers haven’t been driving that long.  Their reactions are new and their responses aren’t yet attuned to the dangers of the road. 
• Your teen is easily distracted.  You may have noticed that your teenager seems to have the attention span of a fruit fly.  And unfortunately, driving requires paying close attention to the road. Statistics show that when teens have one passenger in the car, their accident risk raises by 48%.  With 3 or more passengers in the car, this risk raises to 307%.

KEEP YOUR TEENAGE DRIVER SAFE

Accidents are a reality of life, but you can take steps to prevent accidents.

• Teach your teenager how to drive defensively.  There are many hazards on the road that driving instructors don’t teach.  Why don’t you hop in the car with your teenager and teach them how to respond to these common hazards?
• Draft a driving contract with your teenager.  Explain the rules and your expectations for their use of the car.  Explain why you don’t want them to eat and drive or why you want to limit the amount of passengers in the car.  Help your teen to understand what kinds of distractions you’re trying to limit.
• Institute a driving curfew.  If accidents increase after dark, ask your teenager to have the car back by dusk.  You can encourage this behavior by fixing a family dinner and asking your child to be home in time to participate.
• Educate your teenager about dangerous behaviors like teenage drinking.  Bring them to one of the hosted Mothers Against Drunk Driving talks where a parent tells the story of losing their child to a drunk driver.

You can’t always be there when your teenager is behind the wheel.  But you can try to encourage positive driving behaviors and responses in your teen.  If despite your best preparation, your teenager gets into an accident, you may want to talk to an attorney to discuss your legal options.