Metro Bus Driver Faces Homicide Charges for 2008 Accident

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Last month, authorities arrested a Metro bus driver charged with negligent homicide in connection with a September 2008 bus accident in downtown Washington, D.C. The accident killed one man when the 40-year-old driver allegedly ran a red light and collided with a taxi, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

The Metro bus accident occurred at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and 19th Street N.W. The victim and his family were in a taxi when the bus struck it and killed the 55-year-old California man. The family sued Metro for $100 million. Metro settled the case in January for an undisclosed amount.

Metro fired the bus driver, but authorities did not charge him with any crimes at the time. An arbitration panel determined that there was not enough evidence that he ran a red light, and the panel ordered Metro to re-hire him. The panel also awarded him full back pay.

A grand jury indicted the driver last month and the judge issued an arrest warrant the same day.

Contact a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis if you suffer injuries in a Metrobus accident. Paulette Chapman is a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney experienced in litigating matters against the WMATA, and she can help you receive compensation for your injuries.

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.