Because these buses typically carry dozens of children, drivers and the companies that operate these buses must be held to a very high standard. The community wants answers when a bus accident happens.
Columbia, SC (PRWEB) November 01, 2014
Commenting on a recent WBTV News 13 article about a school bus accident involving a bus driver who allegedly fell asleep, Columbia, SC personal injury attorney Ben Matthews said today the accident should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what happened.
Matthews, an attorney at Matthews and Megna LLC with over two decades’ experience, based his comments on an article published by WBTV News 13 on September 22. The article, “Sleeping driver crashes Darlington County bus into house, troopers say,” reported that a Darlington County bus driver crashed into an abandoned mobile home after, police say, he fell asleep behind the wheel of a school bus carrying 32 students to a local middle school.
“Fortunately, news reports indicate no fatalities occurred as a result of this accident,” said Matthews. “School bus accidents must be thoroughly investigated – even minor ones – to determine what happened and hold the responsible party accountable. Because these buses typically carry dozens of children, drivers and the companies that operate these buses must be held to a very high standard. The community wants answers when a bus accident happens.”
According to WBTV News 13, the accident occurred in mid-September in Dovesville, South Carolina. Officials from the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the bus driver fell asleep at-the-wheel while on the way to drop off 32 students at Darlington Middle School, Darlington County High School and Mayo High School, according to WBTV.com.
WBTV News 13 reported that the bus crashed into an abandoned motor home on Dovesville Highway. Four students were transported to area hospitals and 14 other students were taken to area hospitals by parents for further evaluation. The South Carolina Highway Patrol told WBTV News 13 the driver was cited for disregarding a stop sign before the accident occurred.
“Fatigued driving is a major hazard on South Carolina roadways,” Matthews said. “Many people who would never think to drive a vehicle after having too much to drink won’t think twice about driving while drowsy. But a study by researchers in Australia which was cited in drowsydriving.org found that someone who is awake for 18 hours experiences an impairment equal to a blood alcohol content of .05. If you go for 24 hours without sleep, the impairment is equal to about .10, which is above .08, the amount where people are considered legally drunk.”
Matthews said anyone injured through no fault of their own may wish to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Lawyers can protect their rights and hold the responsible party accountable.
About Matthews and Megna LLC
Serving the Columbia, Florence, Darlington and all of South Carolina since 1985, attorneys Ben Matthews and Tony R. Megna have handled thousands of cases and won major settlements for clients, whether settling out of court or going to trial. Matthews and Megna LLC’s areas of practice include bankruptcy law, auto accidents and workers’ compensation cases. They also handle truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, golf cart accidents and moped accidents. The law firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. As a result, clients only pay for legal services if they win.
Along with an office in Darlington, the law firm’s main office is located at 3400 West Ave, Columbia, SC 29203. To schedule a free case evaluation or for more information, call (877) 253-7705 or visit the law firm’s website: http://www.matthewsandmegna.com.