Earlier this month in Seattle, a collision between an amphibious tour vehicle and a charter bus resulted in four fatalities and several injuries. According to one local news source, the Fire Chief reported that in addition to the four who were killed, 12 people were in area hospitals in critical condition as a result of the accident.
Evidently, the accident took place on the Aurora Avenue Bridge, which is a main north-south artery through Seattle. The bridge has three lanes in each direction, with no median separating the directions of travel. While investigators are conducting an investigation into the accident, it is not clear at this time how the accident was caused, or which of the drivers may be at fault. However, there has been some concern expressed over the safety of the military-style amphibious tour vehicle that was in the accident.
To increase the danger and potential for harm, the amphibious vehicle was being operated by a tour company known for excited and flamboyant drivers who would speak to their passengers over megaphones as they toured the city. This concept, some argue, invites distracted driving and other dangerous driving behaviors.
In fact, in 2010, one such vehicle was involved in a crash with a barge in the Delaware River. Thirty-seven people were thrown from the vessel into the water. Two never resurfaced.
Tour Bus Accidents in Washington DC
Tour buses and other tour vehicles are all over Washington DC roads. These vehicles are often massive, packed with people, and may be operated by a tour guide who is responsible for operating the vehicle as well as entertaining and educating his or her passengers. This is a recipe for disaster, and each year there are several serious or fatal accidents involving tour buses and other vehicles across the country.
In these cases, the tour bus operator owes a duty to all his passengers to operate the vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. When the driver fails to live up to the duty and gets into an accident while distracted, he may be held liable for any injures or deaths that result. In addition, depending on the the circumstances, the tour company may also be liable. To learn more about these kinds of accidents, contact an experienced Washington DC attorney today.
Have You Been Injured on a Tour Bus or Other Tour Vehicle?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious or fatal accident while on board a tour bus or other tour vehicle, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, you should expect firm resistance from the tour company, the vehicle’s operator, and their insurance company. To help you overcome the hurdles that stand between you and financial recovery, contact an experienced Washington DC personal injury attorney at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers today at 410-654-3600. Calling is free and results in no obligation to you.
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