Tour bus drivers are expected by passengers and those who share the roads with them to be safe and responsible drivers.  At the very least, those who happen to be near a tour bus expect the driver to be sober.  While nothing has been proven yet, it's suspected that the driver of a tour bus was under the influence of alcohol when the vehicle hit and killed a man in a suspected New York DUI accident.  The driver has been arrested and police are continuing with the investigation.

According to the police, this suspected New York DUI accident occurred on Saturday when the 57-year-old driver of a tour bus attempted to turn from 47th Street onto 9th Avenue in midtown.  As he did so, the bus struck a 29-year-old pedestrian who was a resident of Philadelphia and who had been in town visiting.  He was hit and dragged under the bus for approximately 30 feet before the vehicle stopped.  The man did not survive, and the BAC of the bus driver was measured at 0.14 at the scene and 0.08 at the police station.  The legal limit for commercial drivers is 0.04.

New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who was killed.  Losing a life in such a random and violent manner is always a tragedy.  In addition, this suspected New York DUI accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding New York pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 15,000 such accidents occur, and over 300 people are killed as a result.

New York DUI Accident Lawyers

Clearly, it seems possible that the family of the man who was killed could file a New York wrongful death lawsuit in response.  If the lawsuit against the driver and perhaps his employer is filed and is successful, the family could be awarded damages that compensate them for their medical, funeral and burial costs as well as their lost income and their loss of companionship.  This could all occur regardless of any criminal prosecution that's going to take place.

If you have lost someone you love to a drunk driver, you need to seek the help of New York wrongful death lawyers who have been defending the rights of grieving families for many years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.