New York Personal Injury News & NYC Legal Current Events

Driver in Deadly Bus Crash Knew He Was Exhausted

Posted on Sep 07, 2011

A casino bus trip carrying about 30 passengers in March resulted in a deadly crash on Interstate 95 in New York City that left 15 passengers dead. The bus driver, Ophadell Williams, was driving the bus from Mohegan Sun Casino in Conneticut back to New York City, and knowingly got behind the wheel without a valid driver's license and while being exhausted.

During the State Supreme Court arraignment, Mr. Williams was charged with 15 counts of manslaughter, 15 counts of criminally negligent homicide, and 23 counts of assault for injuries the other paseengers received. Additionally, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and reckless driving. Manslaughter charges result in a maximum 15 years in prison.

The deadly bus accident happened just after the bus traveled over the border of Westchester County. It swerved, toppled to it's side and then crashed into a metal support pole of a large exit sign. The pole cut the bus in half, from the front to the back, decapitating several travelers and causing injuries to others. The driver suffered a number of injuries including a fractured pelvis, but was said to have helped many injured passengers off the bus after the accident. Investigators revealed the bus reached a speed of 78 miles per hour prior to flipping over.

Williams lawyer indicated that the crash was an accident - and Williams was remorseful; while the prosecutor in the Bronx district attorney's office said it was negligence because the driver was aware of his condition of exhaustion, was driving during his off hours, and drove recklessly including speeding and weaving in and out of lanes.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to reckless driving or the negligence of another driver, a White Plains car accident attorney can help. Call us today for a free consultation.

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Lever & Stolzenberg, LLP is located in White Plains, New York and serves clients throughout the state, including New York City's five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island) as well as Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. 

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