Whether for school, work, or simply leisure, buses can be a great form of transportation. However, they can also prove dangerous when involved in an accident. Due to their sheer size and weight, bus accidents often result in serious – and sometimes even fatal – injuries. Sadly, bus accidents aren’t uncommon. In fact, approximately 30,000 people are injured each year in bus accidents. Sometimes the best way to prevent accidents is to know their cause. Here are the top causes of bus accidents.
Bus Driver Negligence
Like many accidents, human error plays a big role. Bus drivers are often negligent and their negligence leads to an accident. They often work very long hours and are on specific schedules, which can lead to some troubling behaviors. Some examples of bus driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving;
- Fatigue (“drowsy driving”) or falling asleep;
- Speeding;
- Reckless or aggressive driving; and
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Bus Company Negligence
Another big source of negligence in bus accidents occurs due to the bus company itself. The company that owns and employs the driver may be responsible for an accident when they have:
- Failed to properly train their drivers;
- Failed to run background checks on their drivers;
- Failed to successfully conduct a regular inspection of their fleet of buses;
- Failed to properly maintain their buses; and
- Overworked their drivers.
Accidents Not Involving Collisions
You can be injured in a bus accident even without the bus colliding into anything. For instance, this can include:
- Sudden stops;
- Violence;
- Overcrowding;
- Unsafe conditions (e.g. no place to hold on if standing); and
- Slip and falls.
It’s important to note that sometimes the conditions under which an accident occurs involves multiple parties who may be liable. You should without a doubt always feel safe when you are a passenger on a bus. If you should be injured in a bus accident you should be properly compensated for your injuries. By working with a personal injury attorney who has experience with bus accident injuries, you can obtain the compensation needed to get your life back on track.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Bus Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bus accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that a bus accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
