Four people sustained injuries when a charter bus overturned on I-95 late night. The accident occurred in Burnham, Maine on December 10th, 2019 around 11:30 pm. The Maine state police confirmed the northbound charter bus was carrying the Nebraska Theatre Caravan.
The bus overturned on its side after drifting off the right side of the highway. Clinton and Pittsfield Police were among the first on site and they assisted troopers with the bus accident victims. All injured were transported to two hospitals in Waterville and Pittsfield.
Police Cited the Driver for Negligence
There were 38 passengers onboard between 11 to 49 years of age excluding the driver. The Nebraska Theatre Caravan tour bus was coming from Schenectady, New York and headed to Orono to perform in a Christmas concert.
Police reported that Charles Barry, the bus driver, fell asleep on the wheel around 11:30 pm as the bus traveled north to Orono. The bus came to rest on an embankment after drifting off the road and rolling over.
Troopers cited the 65 year old Nebraska driver for failing to maintain control and correct the bus’ course. The charter is owned by Arrow Stage Line of Omaha. The bus was finally righted only after 2 am by wreckers.
Passengers Sustained Minor Injuries
Four passengers, including a man and three women suffered minor injuries. The victims were in their 20s and 30s. Police reported that all four were taken to hospitals in Pittsfield and Waterville while the rest of the group was taken to a Waterville hotel for the night in a school bus.
Negligence is a Major Cause of Bus Accidents
Approximately, 11,000 people get injured and 3,000 are killed in bus accidents each other in the United States as per a report by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Most of these accidents are a direct result of driver negligence. It can also be because of negligence on the part of the company entrusted with repairs and maintenance.
Most neighborhood bus accident attorneys are aware of the devastating injuries caused by bus crashes including TBI, broken bones, whiplash, collar bone injuries, and soft tissue injuries.
Bus Companies Owe a Duty of Care
Businesses operating shuttles and buses for transporting passengers for profit owe it to their customers to be responsible and careful. They are required to comply with a wide variety of state and federal laws and regulations since injuries owing to bus accidents are rarely minor. It’s crucial to hire an experienced neighborhood bus accident lawyer to ensure that violation of relevant laws is recognized and the right action taken.