Fairfield, AL — Reports say that at least 19 people were aboard a MAX public transit bus in Fairfield, Alabama, on Monday, February 9,2015. The accident happened at the intersection of MLK Drive and 66th Street, around 12:00 in the afternoon.
According to reports, the bus rolled down a 25-foot embankment before coming to a stop on its side. Seventeen passengers had to be extricated from the wreck. Several suffered severe injuries and had to be taken to a local hospital. The names of those involved and their exact conditions have not been released.
Emergency workers helping to upright the bus say that it runs on natural gas, and that there’s a fear that its fuel tanks may be leaking.
Police are continuing to investigate the accident. They say that the bus driver may have suffered a medical episode, which led to the accident.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary
Any accident involving a public transport vehicle can get a little tricky because it’s owned by the state. The state understands that sometimes it’s responsible for accidents, and allows people to bring claims against it. However, the rules that one has to follow in doing so are usually pretty strict, and have to be followed very carefully. There are usually very strict filing deadlines that have to be observed, and usually limits to the amount one can be compensated for their injuries. Unfortunately, this can create a mad dash to the courthouse, with everyone trying to be first in line. In any case, an accident like this isn’t like a typical car accident, and can’t be treated as such.
— Grossman Law Offices
