Bus Accident Attorney

What are some of the causes of bus accidents?
Poor safety practices are often at the root of why accidents happen. Contributing factors include:

• Poor driver screening and monitoring
• Inexperienced bus drivers
• Driver negligence
• Speeding
• Inadequate maintenance
• Unrealistically demanding schedules
• Hazardous weather conditions
• Dangerous road conditions

How do bus accident lawsuits differ from those for auto accidents?
Bus accidents tend to involve a larger number of both victims and defendants. Potential defendants include the bus company, their insurance carrier, bus part manufacturers and suppliers, the bus driver, and governmental entities. Legal actions against governmental entities usually have tighter restrictions and shorter time limit requirements than those against private entities.

Who can sue for bus accidents?
Bus accidents have many potential victims including passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, by-standers, and even the bus driver.

Who can the occupant of another vehicle or a pedestrian involved in a bus accident sue?
As in many personal injury cases, anyone injured due to the negligence or willful misconduct of another can bring a lawsuit to those responsible. In the case of bus accidents, potential defendants may include the owner and/or operator of the bus, the drivers of other vehicles that may be even in part responsible for the accident, the owner of an illegally parked car that impeded the bus driver's view of you, or a government entity who poorly designed a crosswalk or sidewalk.

Pedestrian and bystanders are the most likely to be injured or killed in accidents involving buses. Poor visibility, blind spots, and distractions are chief contributors to this actuality.

Can a bus company be held responsible if someone is assaulted on a bus?
A bus company is not necessarily liable for all injuries that may be incurred on a bus. If it can be shown that bus company and driver did not use reasonable care in providing a safe environment, however, legal action may possibly be brought. Most bus companies are regarded as "common carriers" and as such owe a high duty of care to its passengers.

How safe are school buses?
While school buses are actually a rather safe mode of transportation, thousands of children are injured in school bus accidents each year. 80 percent of the children who tragically get killed, however, receive their injuries while boarding and exiting the bus. 70 percent of people killed in school bus accidents overall are occupants of other vehicles.

If a loved one or I have been injured in a bus accident, should I contact an attorney?
In most cases it is prudent to do so. Accident cases involving buses tend to be complex. An investigation and preservation of evidence early in the process can be critical to a successful resolution. A qualified bus accidents attorney who specializes in bus accidents and who has the resources necessary to conduct such often complex investigations and research can greatly improve your chances of receiving the maximum compensation you deserve.