After a deadly bus collision occurred on a Mississippi highway back in November, a family has come forward and filed suit on behalf of one of the women who was killed in the crash [Source: AL.com]. The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of 76-year-old Betty Russell, states that the driver was “traveling too fast for weather conditions that day” which caused him/her to lose control of the vehicle. Apparently, there had been sleet and snow falling when the bus overturned on I-269 in DeSoto County, MS. The source says the bus had been traveling from Huntsville, AL to Tunica and had been carrying 46 people at the time of the accident.
The lawsuit that was filed not only named the bus driver, Robin Vines, as a defendant, but also the bus company Teague VIP Express. The family alleges that Vines had been “overdriving the weather conditions at an excessive speed” and the company allowed their bus to be operated by “a driver that was untrained and incapable of operating the motor vehicle.” The source highlighted that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) documents revealed that Vines’ commercial driver’s license (CDL) was also suspended at the time of the accident.
As for the company, it had a “satisfactory” rating from the FMCSA just before the crash although the bus “had a known history of out of service deficits.” The company was cited 15 times for violations back in 2017, although they were not critical. AL.com says some of these violations included:
- An oil or grease leak
- Inoperative or defective turn signals, windshield wipers, and lighting
- Failure to maintain driver records for the previous seven days of duty status
- Defective or missing axle parts
- A cracked or broken wheel rim
- Worn, welded, or missing steering system components
Given the evidence the family has collected, they are now seeking payment “to fairly and adequately compensate the victims for damages.” This lawsuit is only one of at least seven that have been filed against the bus driver and/or the company as another woman died in the wreck and several others sustained injuries.
Not only does this bus accident acknowledge that there are companies out there that allow unlicensed or untrained drivers to operate their vehicles, but that it is essential for you to hire a Mississippi personal injury attorney after engaging in an accident yourself. The fact is, not all of the information cited above is available to the public following a wreck and it is only after a lawsuit is filed by a reputable lawyer that it is brought to light. The truth is, attorneys know what information they need to look for following a collision, especially those involving commercial motor vehicles, and are able to gather the necessary evidence to help you build a strong case.
Therefore, if you or someone you know was involved in a truck, bus, or car wreck in Madison, MS that was caused by a negligent driver and you are looking to recover compensation by filing a lawsuit, contact Ballard Law, PLLC. Madison, MS personal injury lawyer William E. Ballard is available to not only explain the litigation process but also discuss how much you might be entitled to collect as a result of the injuries you sustained.
To schedule an initial consultation, call us today at 769-572-5111.
Ballard Law, PLLC can be reached at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
