OCALA, Fla. (AP) — In a tragic accident early in the morning of May 21, a pickup truck collided with a bus transporting farmworkers in central Florida, resulting in eight deaths and injuring at least 40 others. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has arrested the pickup’s driver, Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, on charges of DUI-manslaughter.
Howard, driving a 2001 Ford Ranger, is accused of driving under the influence when his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic on State Road 40, a two-lane road known for its hilly terrain and horse farms. The pickup struck the bus, causing it to crash through a fence, overturn, and slam into a tree around 6:40 a.m. The force of the collision led to catastrophic damage; the bus was left on its side with shattered windows and the truck’s airbags deployed.
Howard faces eight counts of DUI-manslaughter. Details on the substance involved have not been disclosed. Howard’s criminal history includes previous arrests for driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, and marijuana possession. His legal representation status is currently unknown.
The bus, en route to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon for watermelon harvesting, was heavily damaged. The workers’ conditions remain unclear, including whether they were wearing seat belts. Federal data highlights vehicle crashes as a leading cause of job-related deaths among farmworkers, emphasizing ongoing concerns about safety regulations.
The accident occurred about 80 miles north of Orlando in Marion County. The Mexican consulate in Orlando is providing assistance to any Mexican nationals involved. New Labor Department regulations requiring seat belts in farmworker transport vehicles take effect June 28, though some argue these measures are impractical.
Cannon Farms has announced a closure in honor of the victims and requested community support during this difficult time.
What Could A Truck Accident Lawyer Do In This Situation?
An Orlando, FL, truck accident lawyer can be an invaluable resource following a bus crash involving a commercial truck. The legal complexities of such cases often require specialized expertise to ensure victims receive appropriate compensation and justice.
No matter your immigration status or job, our firm believes that you have the right to seek justice if you were harmed due to another driver’s recklessness or negligence. What would we do to help?
First and foremost, a truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash. This includes gathering evidence from the scene, analyzing police reports, and consulting accident reconstruction experts. Understanding the circumstances of the collision—such as whether the truck driver was impaired or if vehicle maintenance issues played a role—is crucial for building a strong case.
Moreover, a lawyer can evaluate questions of liability and legal obligations of the at-fault party or parties. In accidents involving commercial trucks, multiple parties might be at fault, including the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially even vehicle manufacturers. An experienced lawyer can identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable. An Orlando truck accident attorney can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Finally, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court.
At David & Philpot, PL, we believe in vigorous representation for our clients, advocating for their needs and supporting their rights in any traffic collision involving a commercial vehicle.
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