Its getting harder to stay safe while driving, it seems, as technology is not only improving our cars safety features but its also creating new and distracting gadgets that keep drivers eyes off the road. Texting and driving has become one of the biggest concerns for drivers, since both your eyes and hands are focused elsewhere. Legislators are trying their best to crack down on texting and driving, but its not an easy task. When a company like Greyhound gets caught hiring an unsafe driver, however, theyre trying their best to make an example out of them.
This is the case from over four years ago, when a Greyhound bus flipped on an icy road after the driver had been speeding and texting and driving. Finally, one survivor of the accident was awarded damages for the crash of December 2007. The crash happened early in the morning in rural Texas, when the driver had been speeding while driving. The Greyhound approached a wreck on Interstate 40 and braked improperly, losing control of the bus.
Ashley Reedy, a 24-year-old Colorado woman and survivor of the bus accident was finally awarded $7.2 million after a three week trial with the help of her personal injury attorneys. Reedy sustained injuries in her head, neck and back. The money will allow Reedy to have a much-needed lower-back surgery. Spinal and neck surgeries require very specialized attention and can be a costly expense.
In this case Greyhound Lines Inc. had hired an unqualified driver who was improperly trained to handle the bus. The driver had actually received three speeding tickets before working with the transportation company. It was also alleged that while the bus driver may not have been using his cell phone at the actual time of the crash, he had used his cell phone 17 times in the three hours prior.
The $7.2 million award was $2.2 million in damages and $4.8 million in punitive damages. The case will hopefully set a precedent for charter and transportation companies, forcing them to tighten up on their guidelines. This case proved that Greyhound Lines Inc. was not only responsible for hiring an unqualified and unsafe driver, but he was improperly trained on speeding and braking. His lack of knowledge in operating the vehicle attributed to the severity of the crasha rollover. Furthermore, companies responsible for driving safety should have strict guidelines for their employees regarding speeding, aggressive driving and distracted driving. For more information on accidents and injuries, visit our
Rio Grande Valley personal injury lawyer blog at Davis Law.
