As reported by King 5 News, a King County jury has awarded four members of the UW marching band more than $1.4 million in a common carrier accident claim after their charter bus crashed in icy conditions in November, 2018. This 2018 charter Bus Crash made local and national news. The UW 2018 Charter Bus Crash rocked the university, faculty and students after the wreck.
The bus, which was on its way to the Apple Cup at the time, crashed near George, Washington. After the driver lost control in icy conditions and crashed into a ditch. The driver was later cited for driving too fast for the conditions. A traffic citation is often used by the prosecution to show negligence on the part of the defendant. This may have played a part in the jury’s decision to award a settlement.
According to the personal injury firm representing the victims, forty-five people were injured in the crash and many should continue to pursue justice. The four students who were awarded the settlement in varying amounts have post-traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, they suffered a range of serious injuries including a fractured spine, broken bones, an AC joint separation to the shoulder, lacerations, and bruises. At least one of the four students required surgery.
Pursuing justice with a common carrier accident claim
What is a common carrier?
A common carrier is a person or company that transports goods or passengers on regular routes at set rates. People traveling in a rented limousine, sightseeing bus, taxi, train, airport shuttle, cruise ship, airplane. Moreover, any form of private group transportation are using a common carrier to get where they need to go.
Common carrier liability
Common carriers offer their services to the public under the authority of a regulatory body, which sets standards for safety. Carriers that transport people owe a duty of care to their passengers. They are required to use the highest degree of care and diligence to ensure the safety of their passengers. This would be expected of a reasonably careful operator. This means that a company drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road. Also all regulations from their regulatory body. Owners must also ensure the safety of their motor vehicles by checking brake functionality, etc.
UW 2018 Bus Crash – Charter Bus
In addition to a duty of care, common carriers are required to warn passengers about a dangerous condition to prevent injuries. If a carrier could have prevented injury by warning passengers about a dangerous condition that a reasonably competent and careful operator would have been aware of, they may be liable for damages.
Filing common carrier injury claims
When a person is killed or injured in a motor vehicle accident while traveling on a bus, limousine or other type of common carrier; they are entitled to recover damages through a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one was injured in a charter bus accident or other type of group transportation, find a personal injury lawyer. Moreover, one who is familiar with Livery Conveyance Laws in your state who can discuss your legal rights.
What type of damages can I recover in a common injury claim?
A common carrier claim seeks compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life and more. Accidents that involve a fatality may also result in a wrongful death claim and associated damages including funeral expenses.
Seek the help of a car accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer. You need to discuss your legal rights! Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
