Six People Killed in Illegally-Operating Tour Bus Crash

Interstate busing companies need permission and approval from the government to do just that – travel between states with passengers aboard. Tragically, one company’s failure to secure this approval will only make matters worse for many in the wake of a devastating bus crash in Arizona yesterday. 16 people were injured and six people were killed when the bus rear-ended a pickup truck and flipped on its side on Interstate 10. Clearly, many people will need the help of an Phoenix auto accident lawyer in order to make sure that their rights are properly protected and enforced. In the meantime, below are a few legal issues that could arise in the wake of this tragedy.

Lack of Approval from Government

If the bus company in fact did not have the necessary approval from the government to operate on an interstate basis, the very fact that they traveled outside of California could lead to additional liability for Tierra Santa, Inc. As it is, any bus or tour company takes on the risk of properly protecting its passengers when they travel even if they are allowed to do so, but word came yesterday that the company never responded to officials’ requests for more information when they sought this approval. As a result, their application for interstate travel was denied in December.

Negligence of the Bus Driver

While the issue regarding the operation of a vehicle in a different state will be relevant, the entire situation still comes down to the alleged negligence of the bus driver. According to several reports, the bus driver rear-ended a pickup truck and then lost control of the vehicle for some reason, veered across the road in several directions and then finally fell off the road. The bus rolled over at least once and several passengers were ejected from the vehicle. According to statements, the bus driver was close to reaching a point where he was to be relieved by a fresh driver after the trip had originated in Mexico.

Clearly, this tragedy will have long-lasting effects on too many unsuspecting and innocent families. If you or someone you love has been harmed in a traffic accident, you need the help of an Arizona personal injury lawyer from Phillips Law Group. Contact the firm today to schedule a free initial consultation, as the firm has a long history of successfully fighting for the rights of those who have been wronged.