Early last year, an Ohio jury awarded Mark Soberay $27 million in damages for injuries he sustained in an accident as a passenger on a Greyhound bus. The accident happened when the bus driver fell asleep and rear-ended a tractor-trailer; Soberay sustained multiple injuries in the wreck, including a severed urethra, injuries requiring an amputation of his right leg, and various soft tissue injuries and shattered bones that required more than thirty surgeries to repair.
Fatigued drivers are dangerous drivers
Cleveland.com reported, “The case hinged on a rule in Greyhound's handbook that says drivers ‘are to stop every approximately 150 miles or three hours’ to inspect the tires. The rulebook also says driver's should take the stops as an opportunity to get some ‘fresh air’ to ward off driver fatigue... Greyhound officials testified that they consider the 150-mile rule a ‘guideline’ and do not punish drivers for not following it.”
The real issue
Fatigued driving is a serious problem; it’s just one of the contributing factors that reversed a 50 year decline in highway fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 100,000 fatigue-related crashes every year, and a recent study found that even one hour of lost sleep doubles the risk of a crash. Opting to take the bus or the train has long been seen as a safer option, but when accidents do happen, the risk of catastrophic injury or death is much higher.
When negligent drivers are coupled with negligent companies, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Transportation companies and their employees are responsible for the safety of their passengers; when that safety is compromised, the company is liable for any and all damages and injuries. If you or your loved one has been injured in a commercial carrier accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages. The experienced Ohio and Kentucky bus accident attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call our Ohio attorneys at 877.686.8879, our Kentucky bus crash attorneys at 877.651.7764, or contact us today.