What was a fun trip to Disney World for some Ohio high school band members ended in tragedy as the charter bus on which they were traveling was involved in a fatal accident. The commercial vehicle accident occurred during the early morning hours as the students and adult chaperones neared home.

For reasons that are still being investigated, the 63-year-old driver of the bus crashed into the median along I-95. The 63-year-old bus driver died as a result of injuries he suffered. Several of the students and adult chaperones onboard the commercial bus also suffered injuries. At least one passenger was forced to undergo surgery for injuries sustained in the bus accident.

Police continue to investigate the accident in an effort to determine possible contributing factors. Investigations into motor vehicle accidents that involve commercial vehicles are often complex and lengthy. In accordance with federal law, drivers of commercial vehicles are required to keep thorough and up-to-date records related to the number of hours driven within a 24-hour period as well as vehicle maintenance records.

Individual drivers found in violation of federal safety laws are subject to fines, license revocation and possible criminal charges. The bus and truck companies for which negligent drivers work are also subject to fines, penalties and potential criminal charges.

In this case, injured passengers may choose to pursue legal action against the bus company. In many cases following similar bus accidents, seemingly minor injuries may be much more serious and persistent than previously believed. Such injuries may require impacted individuals to seek medical and rehabilitative care which can be time-consuming and costly.

Source: The Press and Standard, "Sunday morning bus crash on I-95 leaves one man dead," Drew Tripp, June 2, 2013