A University of California, San Francisco shuttle bus driver is facing criminal charges after a crash that took the life of a California psychiatrist.

The accident occurred this past July, when the driver allegedly ran a red light and crashed into a semi truck. The psychiatrist suffered fatal injury after being thrown from the bus.

In the wake of the accident, the bus driver was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. Prosecutors say they charged the driver with a misdemeanor instead of a felony because, although the evidence suggests the driver was negligent, it does not suggest that he was grossly negligent or acting with malice.

The driver had been involved in two other accidents prior to this summer's fatal wreck, one in 2010 and another in 2009.

In addition, the death was the second this year to involve a UCSF shuttle bus. The university is installing seat belts in the shuttles in an attempt to prevent further fatalities.

California Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Although it can be satisfying to see the perpetrators of fatal accidents held responsible, criminal charges do nothing to make the family of a fatal accident victim whole.

Families often suffer significant financial and emotional losses when their loved one is killed in a fatal accident. Families can recover for these losses by pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the family can recover damages for losses including:

  • Loss of the deceased person's financial and emotional support
  • The grief and anguish of having lost a loved one to a tragic accident
  • Loss of their loved one's companionship and consortium
  • Funeral expenses and lost inheritance
  • The suffering their loved one experienced before being killed

If your loved one has been killed in a fatal bus accident, transit accident, car accident or plane crash, know that you have rights. Contact a California wrongful death attorney who can help you pursue justice.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle, "USCF Shuttle Driver Charged in Fatal Crash," Henry K. Lee, Jan. 20, 2012.