December 21, 2011
A 24-year-old female survivor of a Greyhound bus crash in rural Texas in December 2007 was awarded a $7.2 million settlement by a Dallas jury this week, according to the Sacramental Bee.
The injured passenger alleged that the bus driver was using a cell phone while driving in icy conditions on Interstate 40 in Wheeler County, Texas.
The driver braked improperly as he approached a wreck on the highway and lost control of the bus, according to trial testimony. The bus rolled over, injuring the passenger’s head, neck, and back.
The evidence presented during the three week trial showed that the bus driver had received three speeding convictions shortly before Greyhound hired him and had used his cell phone 17 times in the three hours before the accident.
The jury found Greyhound and its drivers grossly negligent in the accident.
“The verdict will enable [the victim] to have lower-back surgery next month for injuries received in the crash. We hope it sends the message that companies like Greyhound will be held responsible for any injuries they cause. In this case, we alleged that Greyhound hired an unqualified driver, that he was improperly trained, and that he ultimately failed to control his speed, which caused the bus to flip over,” her lawyer said.
Have you or someone you know been injured in a Texas bus accident?
The Houston Auto Accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law may be able to help.
