The term “bus” is not limited to just one particular vehicle. In the transportation business, there are different varieties of buses. For instance, a school bus is not exactly similar to public transportation buses, despite serving the same purpose – transporting people. Things like size and weight also distinguish one from the other. Compared to a consumer vehicle, buses are larger and heavier, which makes them particularly dangerous and lethal when involved in an accident.
If you or someone you know sustained injuries in a bus accident, compensation might be available. Our Gladwyne bus accident lawyers can help you get through the personal injury claim process. Call The Reiff Law Firm today for a free consultation on your case.
Common Causes of Bus Crashes
There is a certain amount of risk involved with stepping onto a bus. Since every accident is different and depends on various factors, it is difficult to predict the severity of an accident. However, several causes contribute to the number of bus accidents every day across the state. Some of the common reasons for bus accidents include:
Bus defects
As a passenger, you should only have to worry about paying your fare and get to your destination. That means, everything else falls to the bus company and driver. Like every other motor vehicle, buses need constant maintenance and tune-ups. These large vehicles travel long distances over prolonged periods of time. As such, buses need frequent oil changes, brake pad changes, electronic system check-ups, and tire changes (whenever they show signs of wear). Unfortunately, buses do not always get the required check-ups needed to ensure a safe journey. Failing to address issues like worn-out tires can lead to a crash that can cause severe injuries to passengers.
Distracted driving
While there have been efforts to prevent the use of smartphones and other distracting electronic devices, they are still a common cause for bus crashes. Additionally, other activities requiring a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel, such as eating or drinking, can distract them and cause an accident.
Driver’s negligence
A driver owes a duty of care to every passenger on their bus. This duty of care includes taking all necessary precautions expected to ensure all passengers’ safety. For instance, if a distracted driver notices a stop sign too late and slams on the breaks injuring passengers, then he or she would be negligent.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of drugs and or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Drivers who fail to comply with state laws regarding alcohol consumption while driving face severe consequences. Unfortunately, while most drivers are responsible and respect their job, others tempt fate by driving while under the influence. Driving a bus under the influence of drugs and or alcohol can result in severe injuries and death.
Common Bus Crash Injuries
Bus accident victims can sustain severe injuries as a result of a crash. While some injuries might result in minor bruises, others can cause death. Unfortunately, many people have to face and endure injuries such as:
Head injuries
Head injuries are among the most dangerous and life-threatening injuries a person can sustain. One of the most notorious types of head injuries is traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Depending on the damage inflicted to the head, an individual can suffer from concussions, contusions, and, in severe cases, an open wound brain injury. Treatment for TBI can be extraordinarily costly and put the injured person under heavy financial duress.
Spinal cord injuries
The spinal cord is responsible for maintaining communication between the brain and many body parts. When a person injures their back, it could cause the spinal cord to sever or compress, interrupting the cord’s normal function. The outcome of a spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to dire consequences, such as paraplegia. Severe SCI cases may require surgery and medical treatment for life.
Neck Injuries
One of the most commonly known neck injuries sustained in a bus accident is whiplash. Whiplash injuries occur due to a sudden forward and backward movement of the head. A whiplash injury victim can suffer soreness, stiffness, and decreased neck movement. They can also suffer from continuous headaches. Whiplash injuries can take a long time to recover from and can cause a lot of distress.
Bus Crash Injury Attorneys Serving Gladwyne, PA
When traveling in your car, you have absolute control over the decisions you need to make while driving. However, when you get on a bus, you trust the driver will be careful enough to get you safely from point A to point B. Unfortunately, bus accidents can happen at any moment. If you or someone you know has been injured on a bus accident due to another person’s negligence, you could be entitled to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, loss of wages, pain, and suffering. For more than 30 years, the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm have helped injured bus accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve. For your free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (215) 709-6940.
