Bus accidents can be terrifying. These dangerous accidents can cause property damage and injuries to passengers on board and others on the road. Bus drivers must abide by company rules and state laws. However, they can still make errors that result in accidents.
Bus accident victims have a right to compensation for their damages. You can contact a bus accident lawyer to receive the help you need. A Tallahassee truck accident lawyer can review your claim, uncover if you share any fault, and calculate how much you could receive in damages. Call Fasig | Brooks now for a free consultation with our dedicated bus accident lawyers.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Driver error is a common cause of bus accidents. Bus operators must follow stricter rules than other drivers. According to Tallahassee personal injury lawyers, here are some other common causes of bus accidents.
Rear End Collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle collides with the back of another. When a bus collides with the back end of your car it could result in significant damage to your vehicle and painful injuries. Rear-end collisions are known to cause whiplash and seat-belt injuries. You are also likely to suffer from head, neck, and spinal injuries.
Driver Fatigue
Many bus drivers work early morning or late night shifts, which can cause fatigue. Because of the bus driver shortage, drivers often take additional routes. Working extended shifts can cause added stress. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make poor decisions. It is common for a tired bus driver to misjudge situations and lose focus while on the road.
Inadequate Training
Poorly trained bus drivers are more likely to cause a bus accident. Without proper training, they may not follow standard protocol or local laws. They may fail to deliver safe driving practices and are more likely to cause an accident.
Poor Bus Maintenance
Bus companies are required to inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent safety issues. Buses can break down or malfunction if the bus company does not follow its safety policies and state laws. Defective engines, poor brake maintenance, and other issues can cause a bus driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Weather or Road Conditions
Heavy rain, flooding, and other severe weather conditions can create hazardous circumstances that lead to accidents. Bus drivers should be especially cautious during inclement weather. However, some bus drivers fail to follow safety protocols during poor weather conditions.
Intoxicated Drivers
Although uncommon, bus drivers could potentially operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Intoxicated drivers are unable to process information quickly and are not sufficiently attentive to the road.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
What Injuries Can a Bus Accident Cause?
Bus accidents can result in costly medical expenses. These vehicles can cause serious and fatal injuries due to their size. According to bus accident lawyers, your personal injury could include the following:
Spinal Injuries
The impact of a bus accident can lead to spinal injuries that may result in temporary or long-term disabilities. Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis depending on the injury’s location.
Lacerations
Superficial and deep cuts from broken glass and other debris are common in bus accidents. You could also receive lacerations from hitting the dashboard, door, or steering wheel of your vehicle.
Broken Bones
In addition to cuts, you may also fracture or break bones due to a bus accident. The impact could move you around the inside of your car or eject you from the vehicle.
Severe Burns
Following a bus accident, a car can catch fire potentially causing burns. Burns can range from first to third degree, and they can leave victims disabled.
Brain Injuries
Bus accidents can cause brain injuries like hemorrhaging, concussions, penetration injuries, and hematomas. These injuries can be long-lasting. Victims in some instances are unable to fully recover. Brain injuries can cause cognitive, emotional, and neurological disabilities.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
Do I Need a Bus Accident Lawyer to Handle My Claim?
Bus accident lawyers can help you recover compensation through their legal guidance because they have experience in accident law. Accident attorneys understand how to discern who is at fault and prove liability for your injuries. They can provide legal representation, investigate your claim, find evidence, and seek compensation on your behalf.
Before filing a personal injury lawsuit, your bus accident lawyer may negotiate a settlement on your behalf. They calculate medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damages in your claim. In the case of wrongful death, bus accident lawyers may also include funeral and burial costs, lost benefits, and loss of consortium.
Your injuries matter. It is unfair to face financial hurdles because of a negligent driver. That is why bus accident lawyers can represent you and seek compensation to ensure you can cover the cost of your bus accident damages.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
Bus Accident FAQs
If you are unsure what to expect in your motor vehicle personal injury claim, request more information from a Tallahassee, FL, attorney. Here are commonly asked questions by motor vehicle accident claimants:
What Is Florida’s No-Fault Law?
In Florida, the law requires both parties to pay for damages, regardless of who caused the accident. This is called No-Fault insurance or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). You can seek a settlement from the other party with the help of bus accident lawyers.
Where Do Most Fatal Bus Accidents Happen?
Approximately 60% of bus accidents happen on rural roads. A majority of bus accidents occur in non-work zone areas. Additionally, buses generally travel between 50 to 55 mph at the time of the accident. Most accidents happen on weekdays on dry pavement.
Where Is the Safest Place to Sit On a Bus?
The safest place to sit on buses and school buses is in the middle. This prevents you from feeling the jolt of either a front or rear impact. The side of a bus is less likely to get struck, however, these types of accidents are still possible.
How Do I Know I’m Not at Fault?
An attorney can review your bus accident claim to discover if the bus driver made an error. Using evidence, police reports, damages, witness accounts, and other information, your attorney can build a case to prove you are not at fault for your accident.
Get Help From Bus Accident Lawyers in Tallahassee
Legal professionals can help you manage your personal injury claim. Bus accident lawyers have proven experience in traffic law. When you work with our attorneys, you can expect proficiency, guidance, and professionalism. Do not struggle to seek compensation for your serious injuries after you suffered harm. You are owed monetary compensation if transportation services staff caused an accident. Personal injuries are expensive, and sometimes even result in a wrongful death. It is even more difficult when dealing with catastrophic injuries that are difficult to recover from. When you are struggling with lost wages and medical bills, a bus accident lawyer can help guide you. Our personal injury law firm is experienced in filing personal injury claims. Bus accident lawyers will seek a settlement first, rather than immediately filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is because a settlement will allow you to receive compensation sooner than a personal injury lawsuit would. They also have experience in truck accidents and issues with seat belts.
Speak to an attorney about your bus accident claim to learn how much you could receive in compensation. Bus accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, allowing you to initiate a settlement and pay your law firm after you have won your case. Start by contacting Fasig | Brooks today for a free consultation.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
