One of the great things about public transportation is that it is worry-free. You get on the bus and relax while someone else handles the traffic and the driving. However, not being in control of the bus means you are at the mercy of the driver and other drivers on the road.
Passengers are not the only ones at risk. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers are at risk, as well. Buses are massive vehicles; even moving slowly, they have a ton of force, which can lead to substantial injuries in a wreck. The personal injury claims surrounding a bus accident can be complicated since they often involve multiple victims and vehicles. A Henderson bus accident lawyer from our firm could guide you through the legal process and help pursue compensation for your injuries.
Most bus drivers are highly trained in handling their big vehicles and dealing with the challenges on the road. Only about a quarter of bus accidents are due to bus driver error. Half of bus accidents are due to other vehicles on the road, and the remaining quarter is due to other issues.
Bus drivers and automobile drivers can both engage in unsafe driving practices, including:
Distracted driving is the root cause of some of these issues. By not paying attention, a driver dramatically increases the odds that they will run off the road, drift out of their lane, and fail to yield. Fatigued or intoxicated drivers contribute to the problem, as well.
For bus drivers, the passengers on the bus can be a distraction. The driver must manage the bus as well as handle any disruptive or unruly passengers. Ideally, if a passenger becomes dangerously disruptive, a bus driver can pull over to deal with them safely. However, that is not always possible.
Determining the cause of a bus crash is essential in determining fault. A knowledgeable legal professional in Henderson could help identify the parties responsible for the bus accident, as well as whether the injured passenger has the right to file a claim.
Bus accidents can lead to significant injuries because passengers do not have the same safety equipment as people in passenger cars. Oftentimes, buses do not have seat belts—nor is it common to wear them if they do. Additionally, buses do not have the same airbags and other safety equipment as cars and trucks. Passengers may even be standing on some buses.
Even a small impact can result in severe injuries, as an impact can throw passengers around the vehicle. Some common injuries include:
Some bus accidents may even lead to wrongful deaths. A Henderson bus accident attorney could help victims and their families pursue compensation for their injuries or losses.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, the attorneys at our firm could help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There are a number of potentially liable parties in a bus accident claim. Determining who is to blame is the first step in bringing a successful claim.
Schedule a consultation with a Henderson bus accident lawyer today to get started on your claim.