Buses are much larger than passenger automobiles, and collisions with buses can result in severe and deadly injuries. Bus accidents are often caused by the same types of negligence as other motor vehicle crashes, such as distracted driving, drug or alcohol use, speeding, and fatigue. Additionally, road conditions can contribute to a bus accident; hazardous potholes, cracks, and poor lighting can reduce the driver’s visibility. In addition, manufacturers can cause accidents when they design or create defective equipment.
Driver Error
Buses have to obey the rules of the road, just like any other vehicle. Yet drivers of buses are resistant to making mistakes that can cause serious accidents.
Bus driver error includes:
- Reckless driving or ignoring traffic signals.
- It is needed to maintain the proper speed limit.
- Disregarding other vehicle safety regulations, such as right of way and passing protocols.
Drivers can also become distracted by passengers, their phones, GPS devices, grooming, eating, or other activities. Even one split-second of inattention can lead to a severe accident.
In addition, some drivers may experience fatigue or drowsiness behind the wheel. It can cause slower reactions and impaired judgment, especially toward the end of a long shift. Bus companies must adequately train and select drivers, perform regular vehicle inspections and maintenance, and ensure all parts are in working order. If you were injured in a bus accident, attorneys can help determine if the bus companies are responsible for a crash.
Passenger Error
While most people who ride buses, whether school or transit, commute to work, run errands, go on tours, or visit friends and family members do so without issue, collisions involving buses are often devastating. These accidents are hazardous because of the size and weight disparity between buses and most passenger vehicles.
In addition, buses require significant upkeep and maintenance, and some companies may need to pay more attention to safety regulations to save money. For example, some charter and tour bus drivers may operate with aging vehicles that lack seat belts or other modern safety features.
Passengers can also contribute to bus accidents if they behave aggressively or distract the driver while the vehicle is in motion. A bus accident victim may be able to seek compensation from the negligent party(s) if they are injured or lose a loved one due to these circumstances.
Weather or Road Conditions
Although bus accidents account for only a small percentage of fatal crashes, they can cause severe injuries to passengers and motorists. Fortunately, many of these accidents are preventable. Bus accidents frequently result from driver fatigue, which can be brought on by a demanding work schedule or lack of sleep. When a bus driver is tired, they may be less likely to follow traffic laws or pay attention to road conditions.
Another reason for bus accidents is poor weather or road conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, snow, or road debris. An increased risk of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians arises from these factors that can reduce a bus driver’s visibility. In addition, buses are more significant than most passenger vehicles, requiring more time to stop when the driver signals ahead. As a result, drivers who speed are more likely to cause a bus accident. Defective brakes, tires, or lighting systems can also result in bus accidents.
Bus Defects
Like any motorized vehicle, buses need to be inspected and maintained regularly. However, some companies may need help to keep up with maintenance or purchase dangerously defective replacement parts. It might be possible for you to sue the manufacturer of the region for product liability if your lawyer can demonstrate that a mechanical failure played a role in your accident.
Bus accidents often involve serious injuries that can change a victim’s life forever. Some of these injuries include broken bones, neck, and back damage that could result in paralysis, and even traumatic brain injury. These injuries could also lead to medical or surgical amputations. Victims who sustain injuries in a bus crash are also vulnerable to internal damage to the lungs, heart, or abdomen. These injuries can also lead to spinal cord injuries that leave victims permanently paralyzed or unable to breathe on their own. Other common injuries include concussion, spinal cord trauma, and loss of limbs due to severe impacts with other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects.
