Many California residents use bus lines as an affordable alternative to flying. However, bus travel has its own risks, especially during the winter months.

Two people are dead following a fatal bus accident that occurred Sunday in western Montana. The bus was operated by Rimrock Stages, a regional transit company that recently took over most of the state's Greyhound Bus routes.

At the time of the accident, the bus was travelling westbound on Interstate 90, headed towards Missoula. The driver hit patch of the ice and lost control of the bus, causing it to turn on its side before ultimately crashing into a median barrier

Two of the bus's 35 passengers died as a result of being crushed underneath the wreckage. Nearly every passenger was injured to some degree - at least eight remain hospitalized two days after the crash.

NTSB is Investigating the Crash

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are looking into the cause of the crash. They believe the driver may have been driving at an excessive speed given the highway's icy conditions.

Like airplanes, commercial busses have "black boxes" that allow investigators to uncover the details of a crash after it occurs. It will likely be several weeks before the NTSP releases its findings.

If it is determined that negligence played a role in the crash, the families of the passengers who died may be able to sue Rimrock Stages for wrongful death. Similarly, the injured passengers will be able to bring personal injury lawsuits against the company.

Generally, in cases involving commercial bus carriers, the bus company can be held liable for the actions of a negligent driver. This is often a boon to accident victims, as the bus company is able to provide compensation sufficient enough to cover the scope of such a tragic accident.

Source: Missoulian, "Victims of Sunday Bus Crash Identified by Missoula County Authorities," Betsy Cohen, Jan. 10, 2012