On August 2, 2012, a Megabus accident in downstate Illinois killed one bus passenger and injured many others. This prompted an investigation, and a warning to other motorcoach companies throughout the United States. The warning specifically concerned bus tires.
Specifically, the warning centered on Excessing Tire Load Ratings, and how overloaded coaches can cause tires to burst, because the tires were never intended to carry that much weight. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), double decker buses should take extra precautions. A double decker bus was the type involved in this tragic Illinois accident.
Tires are more likely to overheat and fail when bus weight exceeds maximum safe limits, especially when the bus is traveling at a high rate of speed and/or for longer periods.
Investigations are still ongoing in the Illinois megabus accident, but initial concerns have been raised that a blown tire caused the crash. A similar crash happened around the same time in Georgia. Both the Illinois bus and the Georgia bus were heavily loaded and operating in high temperatures.
On August 14, 2012, Power Rogers filed lawsuits on behalf on five passengers who were injured on the Megabus accident on August 2 in downstate Illinois. Among the allegations against Megabus and its driver are allegations that they failed to properly maintain and inspect the bus, including its tire, and that the driver was negligently operating the bus at the time of the accident.
The Plaintiffs are represented by Joseph A. Power, Jr; Larry R. Rogers, Sr.; Thomas M. Power; and Devon Bruce of Power Rogers