Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are becoming an increasing problem across the country.The growth of our cities has resulted in increased congestion on ourroads and highways. As a result, commuters are choosing to utilizevarious forms of mass transit. The more people use buses as their mainsource of transportation, the more we see a rise in the number ofinjuries and deaths resulting from bus accidents. In addition, busesare also used to carry our children to and from school. Millions of ourelementary and secondary school children ride school buses twice a day.Because many of these buses do not have proper restraint systems orseat belts, thousands of children are injured each year in school busaccidents.

Factors contributing to bus accidents include:

• Driver Negligence
• Improper Driver Training
• Dangerous Roadways
• Weather Conditions
• Defective Equipment
• Improper Maintenance

Aswith any accident, bus accidents may result in various injuries ormaybe even death.  Those injured may include pedestrians, bicyclists,people in other motor vehicles, or passengers of the bus itself. Injuries from such an accident can leave the victim unable to work andwith mounting medical bills.  It is important to seek legal counselafter a bus accident to assure that your rights are respected by thebus company or government agency responsible.  Personal losses from abus accident may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earningcapacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, ordeath.

There are many complex issues andprocedures involved with bus accidents. When dealing with a busaccident, there are state and federal guidelines that apply to commoncarriers. All common carriers, no matter what state they are in, may beresponsible for personal injuries to passengers. The carrier must havethe necessary equipment and a reasonable degree of training and skillto carry out the transportation of passengers. In order to insure thatall the possible concerns are addressed, legal representation is anecessity.

The Fatality Analysis ReportingSystem (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System(MCMIS) gathered information determine the number of busses and trucksimplicated in accidents. 
According to the Preliminary National Crash Facts:

• There were 12,498 Buses and 136,438 Large Trucks involved in non-fatal crashes
• There were 6,709 Buses and 54,961 Large Trucks involved in injury crashes
• There were 15,297 injuries in crashes involving Buses and 80,752 injuries in crashes involving Large Trucks
• There were 5,789 Buses and 81,477 Large Trucks involved in tow away crashes
• There were10 Buses and 2,231 Large Trucks involved in Hazmat (HM) placard crashes

Have you or someone you know been involved in a bus accident? If so, contact one of our experienced bus accident attorneys in your area today!

Updated: LW

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