One victim was killed and numerous others injured after a shuttle bus transporting workers from a construction worksite crashed on a highway in Freeport, Texas, roughly 50 miles south of Houston. The crash, which took place on Tuesday October 23, 2018, occurred shortly after 3:00 pm on State Highway 36 near Highway 288 and the Brazos River.

According to officials, the bus was carrying construction workers from a Zachry Construction site to a nearby parking area when witnesses report the bus lost control and began to swerve. In a statement made to Freeport Police investigators, the driver of the bus stated the vehicle had been traveling around 60 mph when it starting to fishtail while changing lanes. The driver then over-corrected, which caused the bus to run off the highway and roll down an embankment, flipping several times before landing on its side.

First responders arrived on scene to find witnesses helping injured workers off the bus, and pronounce one victim dead at the scene. The victim was a 29-year-old Dayton, Texas man who leaves behind two children and a wife. Authorities report that 30 victims were also transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents & Victims’ Rights

While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, and the District Attorney’s office planning to hire an independent agency to examine evidence, it is a tragedy for all involved. As investigators piece together what took place, they will likely find direction from statements made by the driver of the shuttle bus, as well as from regulations pertaining to commercial vehicles.

Under state and federal law, commercial vehicles are subject to a number of safety regulations designed to reduce risks of devastating accidents and protect public safety. These regulations range from proper hiring procedures and requirements for driver drug and alcohol testing to routine and adequate vehicle maintenance and Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules limiting the amount of time commercial drivers can be behind the wheel. Violations can significantly increase risks of preventable wrecks.

As a Houston-based law firm that represents injured victims and families throughout Texas, The Daspit Law Firm is hopeful the investigation will provide victims and their families with insight into what caused the wreck, as well as the information needed to hold responsible parties accountable. When handling motor vehicle accident cases such as this, and especially in cases involving commercial bus accidents and truck accidents, our team conducts detailed investigations of our own, and evaluates all potential factors that may have contributed to accidents and our clients’ injuries and losses, including any safety violations.

In these matters, we know accounts from witnesses, statements from the driver and passengers on board, and investigations into the vehicle itself and the company which owned and operated the bus will be crucial to unearthing the ultimate cause.

Houston Personal Injury Lawyers Fighting for Texas Families

Whether this incident was caused by driver negligence, regulatory violations, defective products, or any other factor, the resulting damages are tremendous. That’s true for any of the injured passengers who required medical treatment, and who may require additional medical care and recoveries that can cause time away from work, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. It is also true for the family whose loved one was tragically killed, and who must now cope with incalculable suffering and lost financial support.

In situations such as these, it is critical victims and families understand their legal rights – including the right to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit that can provide the justice and financial compensation they deserve, and hold at-fault parties accountable for causing preventable harm. Our award-winning attorneys at The Daspit Law Firm are always available to assist victims and their loved ones following accidents, injuries, and tragic losses, educate them about their rights and the civil justice system, and help them take the right steps through the legal journey ahead.

If you wish to discuss a potential case with a member of our team, call (888) 273-1045 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. The Daspit Law Firm serves all of Texas and is available 24/7 to help.