Causes of Bus Accidents and Injuries
Each day millions of Americans board buses to get them from one location to another whether it's across town or cross-country. Statistics on bus use show that intercity bus service is one of the fastest growing forms of transit in the nation.
Public transportation buses, private companies, tour buses, and school buses often carry dozens of passengers who have entrusted their lives to bus drivers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as the number of registered buses has increased, the amount of bus accidents has remained stagnant.
A lawyer experienced in bus accident law can help you determine your legal options if you have been hurt in a bus accident caused by a careless driver.
Causes of Bus Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 11,000 people were injured in bus accidents in 2014. Approximately 234 bus accidents were fatal and another 58,000 caused serious property damage.
Some common causes of bus accidents include:
- Distracted driver
- Driver intoxication
- Fatigued drivers
- Inexperienced and poorly trained drivers
- Road conditions
- Faulty bus equipment
One of the biggest problems with buses is that many of them lack safety equipment such as seat belts. Large buses, such as passenger line buses used by large groups, may have safety belts but are rarely used by passengers.
Bus Accident Injuries
California, New York and Florida reportedly have the highest number of bus accidents each year. School buses account for a majority of fatal accidents while municipal buses com in close second.
With hardly any safety equipment available and some passengers standing on buses when no seats are available, serious injuries can occur even during a minor accident.
Some common bus accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Abrasions
- Fractures
- Brain Trauma
- Sprains and strains
Although careless drivers may be the cause of a collision, dealing with a bus company, government entity or insurance company after a bus accident can be difficult. Liability for a bus accident may be easy to be established if the bus is privately owned, however, it could be more difficult if the bus is owned by the government. It is important to have an experienced bus accident lawyer who understands state laws in order to ensure you are receiving the compensation you deserve.
