When you use a mass transit city service like a bus, there is a level of expectation that comes with it, mostly, that the appropriate procedures have been used to choose the driver and that s/he is well trained. And yet, causes of bus accidents inevitably concern active, bad choices that bus drivers make.
In 2013 alone, there were more than 4,000 people involved in just school bus accidents in Pennsylvania. Over 50 percent of the school bus crashes (not including other bus type crashes) resulted in injury to the passengers.
Getting to the root of why bus accidents occur is important in reducing the number of bus accidents in general, and getting compensation for bus accident victims.
Bus Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is oft-cited as a cause of large truck accidents; the problem extends to bus drivers, too. Bus drivers are often overscheduled, overworked, and underpaid.
This combination often causes the driver to take secondary jobs, resulting in a lack of proper sleep. Unfortunately, this means that many bus drivers get behind the wheel in a fatigued—and, therefore, dangerous—condition.
Driving Too Fast
Another common cause of bus accidents is driving too fast, or driving too fast for conditions. Buses are large vehicles, and they require more time than regular passenger cars to stop safely. What’s more, based on their design, they’re also more prone to rollover accidents, particularly when taking a turn too quickly.
Driving While Impaired
Fatigue is one form of serious impairment. Another type of impairment is impairment caused by the use of drugs, both prescription and illegal, and the use of alcohol prior to bus operation. When bus drivers use alcohol or drugs before driving a bus, the chance of an accident increases greatly.
Other Drivers
Not all bus accidents are the fault of the bus driver. Often, the drivers of other vehicles on the road are to blame. Driving too fast, driving aggressively, driving distracted or impaired, or failing to follow traffic laws can all lead to a bus accident.
How do I know who’s liable for my injuries?
The at-fault party is typically the party that’s held responsible for injuries. If the bus driver was at fault, the bus company might be liable under vicarious liability for its employees. If another driver was at fault, then that driver’s insurance company may handle paying for any damages, including your bus accident injuries.
Hire a Bus Accident Attorney
There are four main components to filing a claim for damages after a bus accident. Contact Cordisco & Saile LLP now to learn about each aspect, as well as how our legal team can represent you. We’re reachable today at 215-642-2335.
