Bus accidents can cause a significant amount of devastation to passengers, other drivers and pedestrians alike, due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Since a large number of passengers are able to be transported, the potential for serious injury is much higher when a bus is involved in an accident. if you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, contact the Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers to speak with a Kentucky bus accident lawyer.
There are a number of reasons why a bus may get into an accident, but driver error is one of the most common. Some of the most common causes include:
To best identify negligence and liability after an accident, a bus accident lawyer will investigate the collision as they will have the resources necessary to do so. To determine how and why the accident occurred, they will obtain and analyze bus company records, documents, data from a bus electronic control module (“black box”), GPS reports, and more in order to build a strong case.
Bus Accident Injuries
Most buses lack the safety features that smaller vehicles contain, such as seat belts, making passengers prone to catastrophic injuries when accidents occur. Some of the possible injuries include:
Many bus accident injuries will typically require extensive medical care and time away from work in order to recover. In some cases, victims may be facing permanently disabling injuries. No matter the severity, debilitating injuries can cause a financial strain on the victim and their family. Pursuing a bus accident injury claim for damages is typically the most viable option.
The party liable for damages resulting from a bus accident will depend on the exact cause of the collision. The following are examples of when these parties could potentially be liable:
Bus Company
Hiring unqualified drivers and maintenance staff, keeping a known defective bus in use, failure to perform routine bus maintenance.
Bus Maintenance Companies
A company, independent from the bus company who performed negligent or improper bus maintenance.
State or Local Governments
When a bus in owned by the government and/or when a preventable road condition causes an accident.
School Districts and School Boards
Negligent actions committed by employed drivers and the failure to implement or enforce adequate safety standards.
Bus Driver
The driver may be personally responsible for damages when engaging in negligent behavior, however, it will typically be their employer that is liable for compensating victims.
Defective Bus/Parts Chain of Distribution
Manufacturer, retailer, and the distributor of a defective bus or its parts.
Drivers of Other Vehicles
When other vehicles on the road are the cause of the accident.