Several lawsuits have recently been filed following an incredibly tragic and fatal school bus crash that occurred in December. A Knox County bus driver was believed to have been texting while driving a bus carrying students from a local school when he made a sharp turn, causing the bus to crash into the concrete median and then into a second bus, just before flipping over.
Police later released the names of the victims who were killed in the crash, including a six-year-old, a seven-year-old, and a teacher’s aid. Many others suffered serious injuries. The driver recently died, but it is unclear whether it was a result of the injuries he sustained in the accident.
One of the lawsuits that were filed following the incident was on behalf of the driver of the other bus involved in the accident for the personal injuries he suffered. The lawsuit, which was filed against the driver and owner of the bus, claims the plaintiff suffered severe and permanent personal injuries, both physical and mental. His lawsuit seeks $1.5 million in damages.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed the same day by the father of a seven-year-old girl who was killed in the crash. The lawsuit alleges a failure of the bus driver to exercise due caution and seeks $3 million in damages.
The third lawsuit, a personal injury claim, was filed on behalf of a six-year-old girl, seeking compensation for the serious injuries the girl suffered when the bus overturned. It seeks $1.75 million in damages.
All three lawsuits are seeking jury trials. Additional lawsuits are potentially expected to be filed.
Investigators revealed last week their findings that the driver of the bus had sent and received several text messages leading up to the time that two buses collided.
Except for novice drivers, Tennessee law does not prohibit cell phone use while driving. However, texting while driving is prohibited under state law. Additionally, Tennessee has a specific prohibition against bus drivers from using cell phones while the bus is in motion and transporting children.
While Tennessee’s cell phone use laws went into effect in 2010, according to a report released by the National Safety Council in 2013, Tennessee has the highest percentage of fatalities attributed to cell phone use in the nation.
The personal injury attorneys at MHPS are dedicated to representing Nashville residents who have been hurt due to someone else’s negligent actions. We serve injured individuals in and around Davidson and Williamson Counties, including in Brentwood, Bellevue, and Hermitage. Our skilled attorneys will take the time to learn about you and your case, and we can vigorously pursue your right to compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case. We can be reached through this website or by calling 615-800-7096.