Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog
Traveling by tour bus can be an inexpensive way to visit sites while traveling. But in these circumstances, you are leaving your life in the hands of the driver. In cases in which a person is killed in a commercial or non-commercial bus accident, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation. In general, Maryland bus drivers must undergo certain educations programs in order to receive commercial licenses. As drivers, they are required to meet certain federal and state regulations. Trucking companies also must abide by certain laws concerning who is allowed to drive commercial vehicles and under what circumstances.
Maryland’s Wrongful Death Act is meant to compensate family members who were killed due to another person’s negligence. A claim can be filed if a person’s wrongful act would have permitted the decedent to recover damages if the decedent were still alive. Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within three years of the death of the decedent. Claimants generally can recover financial compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and for damages relating to what the family member lost, including parental care, marital care, filial care, and guidance.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed by a spouse, a parent, or a child. These are referred to as primary beneficiaries. In cases of decedents without a spouse, parent, or child, a secondary beneficiary may be able to bring the claim. Secondary beneficiaries are those who are wholly dependent on the decedent and related to them by blood or by marriage.
Tour Bus Accident Leaves Four Dead, Many Injured
A tour bus recently crashed near Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, according to a news source. According to a local news report, the bus rolled off the road and crashed into a guardrail. The crash left at least four dead and many people injured. A day after the crash, five people still remained in critical condition. The bus driver was driving 30 Chinese-speaking tourists to Bryce Canyon National Park. The four killed were all Chinese nationals. Authorities called upon local translators to help after the crash.
According to the Utah Highways Patrol, the bus began to veer off the road for an unknown reason, and the driver overcorrected. The bus tipped over, rolling over, hitting a guardrail, and landing halfway off the road. Both the Utah Highway Patrol and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting investigations.
Contact a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer
Maryland commercial drivers are held to certain standards, and a lawyer handling a trucking accident case must be familiar with Maryland’s commercial vehicle laws. If you or someone you know has been injured in a Maryland trucking accident, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss filing a Maryland personal injury claim. The law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen has helped clients who have been the victims of truck accidents and other motor vehicle accidents who have suffered personal injuries, property damage, and financial losses. Call us today toll-free at 800-654-1949 for a free consultation.