March 11, 2022
Buses, whether tour, city, or school buses, are large, heavy vehicles on the road that pose a significant risk of an accident. Because of the sheer weight and size of the larger vehicle, bus crashes are often more serious than car accidents.
When an individual is injured, or their property is damaged in a bus accident, or a family member is lost in a fatal crash, it is important to figure out what caused the accident and who is responsible.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Determining the causes of bus accidents is crucial because it determines who will be held legally liable for a crash victim’s losses, which may include pain and suffering compensation, as well as additional medical expenses and wage loss benefits.
One of the first things the experienced attorneys will do during your lawsuit’s discovery identifies the cause of the bus accident that caused your injuries.
- Bus company negligence
The bus company’s negligence frequently causes accidents. Although the industry is regulated, bus inspections and record-keeping regulations are less stringent than airlines’. Many companies’ bus fleets are old and may lack seat belts and other safety equipment. Poor maintenance or inadequate driver training might lead to an accident.
- Driver negligence or reckless driving
It is possible that laws regulating bus drivers may be ignored. Hours of service laws stipulate how long a driver can be on the road and when to take breaks; bus speed; and turning and passing protocols are among them. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is both dangerous and illegal. Mobile phone calls or messages might cause a driver to get distracted. Driver fatigue, which is commonly caused by obstructive sleep apnea, increases the chance of a highway accident by 2.5 times compared to other drivers.
- Weather or road conditions
Hazardous weather or road conditions do not often cause a bus accident, but due to the vehicle’s weight and difficulties maneuvering, these factors might increase the severity of a bus crash. Therefore, bus drivers must be well trained to operate the vehicle in all weather and take precautions such as slowing down when the weather is poor.
- Blind spots
Another common cause of bus accidents is blind spots. A blind spot, according to Merriam-Webster, is “an area not seen to the naked eye or in the equipment provided.” Mirrors are placed on buses to avoid blind spots. As a result, the attorneys argue that a true blind spot is only an area that cannot be seen with the naked eye or the equipment (which should be correctly adjusted).
- Left turns
One of the most common causes of bus accidents is left-turn accidents. Blind spots on left turns are actually areas behind the left “A” pillar and mirror that are briefly obstructed to the bus driver – not blind spots. To eliminate these blind spots, bus drivers are trained to lean forward and backward simply.
A driver who is unable to move forward left or right in the driver’s seat due to height or weight requirements raises questions about the bus company’s training and selection of the driver.
- Another driver
Another driver’s negligence may also contribute to a bus crash. With so many drivers on the road, and especially with the rise in distracted driving, another driver could break the law and cause a major bus wreck.
Take Help of a Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Of course, driver errors are not always the fault of the bus operator; they can also be the fault of other road users. Another road user, for example, maybe inebriated and swerve into the route of the bus.
Other drivers may also cut the bus off, forcing it to brake or swerve, all of which can cause an accident. If you or someone you care about is involved in an accident, it is important that an investigation be conducted to determine the exact causes of the accident.
In some circumstances, multiple negligent parties may exist, greatly complicating an already difficult claim filing process.
Victims of bus accidents may have a case for wrongful death or personal injury claim. The experienced lawyers who will give you legal advice can help determine if the bus driver, bus company, parts manufacturer, or another entity was careless or negligent and may be held responsible.
An expert bus accident lawyer with extensive experience litigating cases for those injured in these types of crashes can get you the help you need, including benefits to pay medical bills and lost wages, as well as a settlement that reflects the total value of your injuries.
Lives can be turned upside down in an instant, leaving you feeling lost and unsure of what to do next if you are injured in a bus accident. Khashan Law, a Southern California personal injury law firm, is here for you for the best legal advice!
Call 951.461.2387 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced bus accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident. Bus accident victims are represented on a contingency fee basis by Khashan Law.