January 30, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Warning from Wisconsin Bus Accident Attorneys

Don’t take chances driving this winter – bus crash kills 9

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.

A recent fatal bus crash in the Pacific Northwest highlights the dangers we all face when driving in severe weather systems. Ice and snow are the staples of a Wisconsin winter and one small mistake can often prove to be many a driver’s last.

Such was the case on Blue Mountain Pass when a charter bus lost control on the highway and crashed through the guardrail, falling 200 feet before it came to a rest. The roads had just been sanded by road crews, but that did not prevent the death of nine passengers and injuries to all 38 of the rest travelling by bus.

Whether a mountain pass or the streets of Milwaukee, wind, ice, and snow tend to make t roads treacherous, even to the most experienced drivers. Failure to take the proper precautions can often lead to an unfortunate accident that could have possibly been avoided. While it is uncertain as of yet what exactly caused the accident in the Northwest, in general, negligent behavior in failing to follow the advice of road service warnings or chain-up protocols are unacceptable excuses.

If another’s negligent act leads to loss of life, it is possible that that individual’s family and loved ones may have recourse to remedies through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim allows family and/or estate executors/administrators to claim financial, emotional, and medical remedies as a result of the loss of that individual. There is serious emotional and financial trauma caused by the loss of a spouse, child, or family member and by contacting an attorney practiced in personal injury, they will help you navigate ways in which you may be eligible for remedial actions.

Source: oregonlive.com, “Oregon bus crash: The tragedy focuses attention on the treacherous I-84 pass,” Richard Cockle, Jan. 4, 2013

To contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney regarding your personal injury car accident case, call 414-289-0909 today.

January 29, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

News from Milwaukee Bus Accident Attorney

Bus crash near New London kills two

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.

An accident involving a school bus and a car took the lives of two teenagers late on Friday night. The Wisconsin State Patrol reports that the car carrying the teens collided with the bus after rounding a sharp turn. The accident occurred in Waupaca County in the town of Mukwa. The school bus was carrying students from New London who were returning from a ski trip.

The State Patrol reports that excessive speed, and slippery road conditions contributed to the accident. Essentially, as the sun goes down, melted snow freezes and turns to ice, which can make it difficult for cars to navigate turns. The Waupaca County Sheriff confirmed that the car slid across the center line and into the path of the oncoming bus.

According to numerous reports, the crash has left the town shaken.

During the holiday season we noted that winter weather can make road conditions dangerous in our region. We discussed what drivers could do to safely navigate treacherous roads, including using sand and salt (to improve traction), paying attention to weather reports (for knowledge about road conditions), and not using cell phones while behind the wheel.

We hope that Wisconsin drivers will be conscious of how they can change their driving habits as road conditions deteriorate. It is an important decision that can affect countless lives, as we can expect more snow and ice for at least two more months as winter passes on.

In the meantime, our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of those who were lost in the accident.

Source: Fox11online.com, Teens killed in crash with school bus near New London, January 26, 2013

To contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney regarding your personal injury car accident case, call 414-289-0909 today.

October 5, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Bus Accident Injures Multiple Passengers

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Friday, October 5, 2012.

The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be confusing for injury victims. It is not uncommon for a victim to feel unsure of where they go for answers and how they can recoup for their medical bills. This confusion can be compounded when a victim was injured while being transported by a professional driver or city transportation. However, falling victim under such circumstances does not lessen the victim’s rights.

Recently, a Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, crash between a Milwaukee County Transit System bus and a passenger vehicle resulted in the injury of seven victims. The bus crash occurred yesterday shortly before the noon hour at the intersection of North 72nd street and West Wisconsin Avenue.

According to a local report, a representative from Milwaukee County Transit System says she was told that the passenger vehicle ran a stop sign and then crashed into the bus. However, it is likely that officials will conduct an investigation to confirm what exactly caused the accident that necessitated five of the seven victims needing to be transported to an area hospital.

No word was issued in a local report regarding whether or not either party was cited in this accident. Thankfully, it does not appear that any of these victims were critically injured. However, any medical attention will result in expense, even for minor injuries. Injury victims can in some instances recoup for these costs. In instances where a bus passenger is injured in a crash, there are statutory notices that are required to be filed within a few months following the crash and subsequent injuries.

Source: WTMJ News, “Seven people injured in Milwaukee County bus crash in Wauwatosa,” Oct. 4, 2012

Suffering from injuries sustained in an automobile accident? Contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for your free consultation.

August 6, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

How Likely Are You to be Hit By a Bus in Milwaukee?

That Could Depend on the Type of Bus: Motorcoach vs. Traditional

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Truck Accidents on Monday, August 6, 2012.

The recent crash of a Megabus in Illinois that left one dead and over three dozen hurt is leading to questions about the safety and regulation of bus travel in the United States.

Sadly, this is just one in a series of recent crashes involving low-fare buses. The accidents have prompted federal regulators to look into the industry and to perhaps consider stricter regulations.

Last year, the National Transportation Safety Board completed an investigation into the motorcoach industry that revealed some striking findings. For example, the agency noted that curbside bus carriers (i.e., those that pick passengers up on the street instead of at a station) have significantly higher accident rates than traditional bus companies. Rates are even worse for newer companies and carriers with smaller fleets.

The problem is magnified by the fact that many curbside bus carriers operate outside the scope of government regulation. For example, regulators do not conduct “en route” inspections of passenger buses. Since curbside carriers do not operate from bus terminals, regulators have relatively few opportunities to check for safety violations.

Megabus USA provides bus travel in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Minnesota. The company’s buses covered more than 8 million miles last year, and recorded a total of six accidents. During that same period, seven of the company’s drivers were cited for fatigued driving.

The NTSB has been quick to point out that, generally speaking, motorcoaches are a safe and affordable way to travel. However, it is important to choose a carrier that has a strong safety record. It is better to spend the extra money than to put yourself in harm’s way.

Source: KSDK, “National Transportation Safety Board critical of motorcoach industry,” Leisa Zigman, August 2, 2012.

For more information on the rights of bus accident victims, please visit our Wisconsin Bus Accident resource page. If you need legal representation for a bus accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

February 15, 2011 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Wisconsin Bus Accident Attorneys Blog Update

Two injured in car accident involving school bus in Milwaukee

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, February 15, 2011.

According to local Milwaukee news reports, two individuals were injured late Tuesday afternoon after a car and school bus collided on Milwaukee’s north side. Reports detail that the car accident occurred when a car ran a red light at Sherman Boulevard and Hope Avenue. As a result of the car accident, two individuals were injured when the car struck a power light, causing the electric wiring to fall. Many neighbors in the area reported that they rushed outside their homes after hearing a loud noise caused by the car accident.

One witness expressed, “It sounded like lightning…there were some skidding sounds and the next thing I heard was a pole or something getting hit.” Reports detailed that the bus involved in the car accident did in fact contain some students but none were injured in the collision. Following the car accident, another bus came to the scene to transport the student to their final destination.

Officials from the Milwaukee Fire Department told the media that the two individuals injured in the car accident were rescued from their vehicle and will recover from their injuries. No charges have been filed in this car accident case to date.

Source: WISN “Two Hurt In School Bus, Car Collision” 2/9/2011

If you have been involved in a bus accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.