3 Injured in Midland, TX, Bus vs. Train Accident on Loop 250
Midland, TX -- January 9, 2017, three people sustained injuries due to an accident where a TRAX bus collided with a train off of Loop 250.
The accident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 80 and Loop 250. Midland authorities report that a TRAX bus, a public transport vehicle, was traveling eastbound down the highway. It's unclear how many passengers were on-board the train.
The driver of the bus experienced some sort of medical complication as he was driving, causing the bus to lose control and veer off the roadway. The bus traveled several dozen yards before crashing into a train that was stopped on the railway.
Emergency services rushed to the scene to check on those involved. The bus driver was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Reports were not clear on whether or not this was due to the crash or the medical condition which caused the accident.
Two additional passengers from the bus had non-life-threatening injuries and were also taken to the hospital.
At this time, the accident is still under investigation.
Map of the Area
Commentary
When it comes to accidents caused by medical conditions, the idea of liability can be quite complex. The ultimate point of focus becomes how foreseeable the incident was. It's pretty hard to predict many medical complications, and it would be unreasonable to hold a bus company liable for an unpredictable medical event.
That being said, drivers of commercial vehicles must undergo physicals and medical examinations in order to be cleared for driving. The reason for this, perhaps obviously, is that accidents like this one can happen, and they can be a whole lot worse. If a bus company has prior knowledge that a driver is in poor health yet puts that driver out on the road, then that company can certainly be held liable for an accident.
Whatever the case may be, this accident needs to be thoroughly investigated same as any accident. If it turns out that there were some sort of existing issue that was not properly addressed, then it's possible that someone could held liable for the damages sustained in the accident.
--Grossman Law Offices
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