For many people, a bus is a convenient and affordable way to travel or get to work. In total, over 750 million passengers take commercial buses in the United States every year. Unfortunately, bus accidents are also very common, and studies show that nearly 80% of bus crashes occur due to driver error. These errors may include distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws. Many of these crashes result in serious injuries or even fatalities, affecting not only passengers but also pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles as a car accident lawyer knows all too well.
Types Of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can take many forms, and understanding the different types may help clarify liability and legal rights. Here are the most common types of bus crashes as shared by our friends at Manzoor Law Firm, Inc:
- School Bus Accidents – These often involve children and can occur during pick-up or drop-off times, sometimes due to reckless driving or poorly maintained vehicles. These can also occur when it is just the driver onboard with no passengers.
- Public Transit Bus Accidents – Accidents involving city buses can happen at bus stops, in intersections, or due to overcrowding or unsafe stops. Many times, passengers on a bus are injured due to unsafe driving from the bus driver.
- Commercial, Private, And Charter Bus Accidents – These may involve tour buses, intercity coaches, or rented buses for events. Long hours and tight schedules can contribute to driver fatigue and reduced attentiveness.
- Freight Bus Accidents – Though less common, these involve buses carrying goods rather than passengers, and can still cause major road hazards.
What Should You Do After A Bus Accident?
If you are involved in a bus accident, the very first thing you need to do is to call law enforcement immediately. Make sure to write down the responding officer’s name and badge number, along with their contact information, so you can request a copy of the official accident report later. This document can be critical when building a legal claim.
Next, take as many photos as possible of the accident scene. This includes pictures of the vehicles, visible injuries, road signs, weather conditions, and anything else relevant. Visual evidence can support your version of the events and strengthen your claim.
Avoid signing any documents or giving statements to insurance representatives or bus company officials before you’ve spoken to an attorney. Anything you sign or say could be used to reduce or deny your compensation later.
Even if you feel fine, it is essential to see a doctor right away. Some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying medical care could not only harm your health but also weaken your case.
Lastly, contact a personal injury lawyer near you who has experience handling bus accident claims. A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence, work through the legal system, deal with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t wait, contact a lawyer today if you or someone you love has been injured.