Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against NY Bus Company

A $40 million wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the family of a woman who was killed in a bus accident last year claiming the bus had a defective tire and was speeding.

The accident occurred on July 17, 2011 when a group of tourists from India was travelling to Niagara Falls from Washington D.C. and the bus veered off of the highway, flipped over and slid into a wooded area, according to the Wall Street Journal. Dozens of passengers were injured and two were killed.

The day after the crash, state police found no evidence of “any excess speed, of any alcohol, of any driver fatigue, or of any other violation.” On the other hand, the plaintiffs’ investigators found that the belts in the front right tire was not properly put together and that the driver was traveling at 72 mph in a 65 mph zone, leading to him being unable to control the bus when the accident occurred.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Bridgestone Americas Tire, Motor Coach Industries, Bedore Tours of North Tonawanda and the bus driver. The plaintiffs claim that the lack of seatbelts on the bus caused the death of their loved one, although tour buses are not required to have belts for passengers.

If you have been harmed in a car accident, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you. Call us today at (877) 490-7186.

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