Bus accidents can happen for various reasons, and the causes often involve the negligence of the bus driver, the company, or other parties. If you have been injured in a crash, you may be concerned about who will be responsible for the losses your injuries have caused. This is why you should speak with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in bus accidents.

Who is liable if you are injured in a bus accident? These cases can be complex to pursue because of the different potential liable parties. If you have been the victim of an injury in a bus accident, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation and to explore your legal options.

How Often Do Bus Accidents Occur?

Many people rely on public transportation as their way to get around – to school, work, shopping, etc. Commuters who do ride buses often do so because it is a convenient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to travel. They also might assume that taking public transportation is a safer alternative than other forms of transportation. Although most bus rides are accident-free, there are incidents of major and minor bus crashes that leave passengers or other commuters on the road injured. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 20,000 victims are injured in bus accidents that happen each year.

What Are the Frequents Types of Bus Accident Injuries?

Injuries from bus accidents can range from minor to catastrophic, depending on the circumstances. Some of the more serious injuries include:

  • Brain injury
  • Burns
  • Contusions and lacerations
  • Disfigurement or scarring
  • Fractured bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Whiplash (and other neck injuries)

In addition to physical injuries, bus accident victims may also suffer emotional injuries, such as pain and suffering or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Who Is at Fault in a Bus Accident?

Victims of bus accidents can pursue injury claims against the party or parties liable for the accident for financial compensation for medical lost wages and other losses. Families of victims who were killed in a crash may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Determining liability in a bus crash can be complex, especially if multiple vehicles were involved in the accident. Multiple parties could also be liable.

For example, if the bus driver caused the crash, then the company they drive for can also be held liable. Bus drivers have commercial licenses (CDLs) and are held to a higher standard. If a bus driver was engaged in distracting driving behaviors (e.g., cell phone use) or under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the crash occurred, they could be legally liable for injured victims’ losses.

It is up to the bus company to ensure that all drivers follow all safety and traffic rules, are properly trained, and are experienced. Failure to do so also leaves the company liable for a driver’s negligent acts.

However, if the bus is owned by a municipality, the case becomes even more complex because suing a government entity has different legal requirements than suing a private entity. This is why it is critical to retain the services of a seasoned bus accident lawyer to represent you in these cases.

What Are Common Causes of Bus Accidents?

Some of the more common causes of bus accidents with bus driver/company liability include:

  • Bus driver error
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
  • Engaging in distracted driving behaviors
  • Exceeding the maximum number of bus passengers
  • Fatigued driving
  • Failure to inspect and maintain the bus or equipment
  • Inadequate bus driver training

If a defective bus part caused the crash, the manufacturer could be held liable for the accident and losses suffered by injured victims.

There have also been crashes where another driver was the at-fault party, and neither the bus driver nor the bus company is liable. For example, a driver runs a red light and smashes into the bus. The bus driver had the right of way. If any passengers on the bus suffered injuries because of this impact, then the driver of that vehicle could be held legally liable for damages.

What Damages May Be Available in Bus Accident Claim?

And speaking of damages, just like any other type of personal injury lawsuit, a victim who is injured in a bus accident can collect for the following losses:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, and more
  • Loss of income from being unable to work. If the victim suffers permanent disability from their injuries, they may also be able to collect for loss of future income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional anguish
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Permanent disability
  • Loss of life enjoyment

Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

There are many causes of commercial bus crashes, whether the fault of the bus driver, malfunction or defective bus part, or another driver. If you have been injured in a commercial bus crash or other mass transit accident, contact an experienced bus accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out what legal recourse you may have for the losses your injuries have caused you to suffer. Our legal team can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve for the losses you have suffered. Call us at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.