A bus driver who reportedly caused a fatal accident in Charles County last year has been indicted on charges of manslaughter, according to officials in Prince George’s County. The victim was a 69-year-old woman from La Plata who was hit July 31, 2014 at the intersection of Water Street and Main in Upper Marlboro. The woman died at the scene from her injuries.

Investigators said Burton was in the crosswalk attempting to walk across Main Street when the accident occurred. The driver did remain at the scene and attempt to provide help, but she was too late to do anything to save the woman’s life.

The individual driving the bus has now been charged with negligent manslaughter in the death of the La Plata pedestrian. Investigators say she may have been distracted and talking to one of the passengers in the bus. When she made a left turn, she was reportedly not paying close enough attention to the road and hit the woman. The driver works for a private transportation company called Transdev.

Avoiding deadly pedestrian crashes

All motorists are expected to yield to pedestrians when they are in a crosswalk, regardless of whether there are lights or signs controlling traffic in the area. Drivers who hit pedestrians in crosswalks are almost automatically considered liable, and they may face both criminal charges and civil action as a result.

For more information on how to proceed if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a skilled La Plata personal injury attorney at Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A.