According to Statista, California had 100,828 registered buses in 2020. In that same year, there were 176 total fatalities in bus crashes recorded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). School buses and transit buses accounted for 131 of those fatalities.
Bus accidents, much like car accidents, can have severe consequences and result in life-altering injuries. While some accidents may occur due to factors beyond anyone’s control, a significant number of them can be attributed to driver error, negligence, or other preventable causes. If you have been involved in a bus accident and suffered injuries due to someone else’s recklessness, it is crucial to seek legal representation from a seasoned personal injury attorney to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We are here for you.
1. Driver Distractions: Just like with cars, distractions can impair a bus driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Distractions may include texting, using GPS devices, interacting with passengers, or any other form of inattention that diverts the driver’s focus from the road.
2. Intoxication: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense and poses a significant risk to everyone on the road, including bus passengers and other motorists.
3. Fatigue: Bus drivers often work long hours and may experience fatigue, which can impair their judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability. Fatigue-related accidents can be devastating, as they may involve multiple passengers and vehicles.
4. Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Buses require regular maintenance to ensure their safe operation. Neglecting maintenance tasks such as brake inspections, tire replacements, or addressing mechanical issues can lead to equipment failure, increasing the risk of accidents.
5. Hazardous Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, inclement weather, or inadequate signage can create hazardous conditions for bus drivers. Slippery surfaces, potholes, or limited visibility due to weather can contribute to accidents if drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
Bus accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. Some common injuries victims may sustain include:
1. Head and Brain Injuries: The force of impact in a bus accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or other head injuries, which may have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and overall well-being.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries: The sudden jolt or impact from a bus accident can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis and a lifetime of physical challenges.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures: The violent nature of bus accidents can lead to fractures, broken bones, and severe orthopedic injuries that may require surgeries, prolonged rehabilitation, and permanent impairment.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are
common in bus accidents due to the sudden jerking motions experienced by passengers
during collisions.
5. Emotional Distress: Bus accidents can leave victims traumatized, leading to emotional
distress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological
conditions that require proper medical attention and support.
If you have been involved in a bus accident, taking certain steps can help protect your rights
and strengthen your personal injury claim:
1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is crucial to
undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately
apparent, and prompt medical documentation can support your claim.
2. Report the Accident: Contact the appropriate authorities and file an accident report. This
report will document the details of the accident, contributing factors, and involved
parties, strengthening your case later on.
3. Collect Evidence: If possible, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photographs
of the damaged vehicles, road conditions, signage, and any other relevant details.
Collect contact information from witnesses who can provide statements supporting your
case.
4. Preserve Documentation: Keep copies of all medical records
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