Posted in Bus Accident,Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 10, 2015
14 Injured after Church Bus Collides with Truck in East Tennessee
A church bus was involved in an accident with a truck in Athens, Tennessee, on Thursday, causing three adults and 11 children to suffer serious injuries.
A report by wkrn.com says the accident occurred on Highway 30 in McMinn County around 9:25 a.m. on Thursday morning. A Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesperson told WKRN that the accident occurred when the 18-year-old driver of a 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup truck lost control of the vehicle when its brakes failed, which causing him to collide with the van. The man suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The van was being used by a church and all 11 children who were involved in the accident, who were between the ages of 4 and 8 years old, were transported to local hospitals to receive treatment for their injuries.
In addition, the 61-year-old driver of the van and a 27-year-old passenger were both transported to local hospitals for treatment as well.
The current conditions of the victims of this accident are unknown at this time. According to WKRN’s staff report, the driver of the pickup truck is being charged with failure to maintain an operating vehicle.
Safety Tips for Bus Passengers
Whether you’re riding a bus as public transportation, for a family trip, or for a community function, it’s important that you and other passengers do your part to make the ride as safe and enjoyable as possible. While bus riders don’t have control over the vehicle itself, their behavior can either make the trip go smoothly as possible or contribute to a potential accident.
To stay safe on a bus trip, do your best to follow these safety guidelines:
Many public transportation buses don’t have seat belts, but smaller charter buses are often equipped with them. If the bus you’re riding on does have seat belts, you should always buckle up and make sure everyone in your family is buckled up as well. Seat belts can make a big difference in the outcome of accidents and can significantly reduce the risk of serious and life-threatening injuries.
Standing or moving around on the bus is not only distracting for the driver and other passengers, but it also puts you in danger. Remaining seated is the safest course of action when riding a bus, as getting out of your seat puts you at a high risk of injuries if the bus is involved in an accident or brakes suddenly. If you’re on a large bus and need to get up for any reason, wait until the bus either comes to a stop or ask the bus driver when it’s safe to get out of your seat.
Blocking the aisle with a suitcase, backpack, duffel bag, or other large time is not only a nuisance to other passengers, it can also be a safety hazard in the event of an accident. If you’re bringing large items on your trip, place them in the designated storage areas on the bus and keep them out of the aisles where they could hinder your and someone else’s ability to exit the bus in the event of an accident.
Bus safety isn’t just in the hands of the driver—it’s in the hands of everyone onboard. By following these safety tips and making sure everyone in your party does so as well, you can help contribute to a safe and enjoyable trip for all passengers.
If you were injured in a car or bus accident in Tennessee and are facing expensive medical bills and lost paychecks due to disabling injuries, the legal team at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you get compensation for your expenses. Get in touch with our Nashville car accident attorneys today. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form to find out how we can help.
