Public transportation is a popular way for people to get where they need to go. Tens of thousands of people are transported by bus in the United States every year. With thousands of buses on the roads, the odds of being involved in a crash with one is pretty high.
If you have been in a crash with a bus, you have probably suffered extensive damages.
Determining Who Was At Fault for the Bus Accident
It isn't always easy to determine who was at fault for an accident, but it is detrimental to find out who was to blame for your bus accident. The driver who is at fault is liable for any damages that you suffered. There are several causes for accidents, but they can usually prevented.
You should consult with a personal injury attorney who will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and everything that led up to the crash. After determining what caused the accident, your lawyer can file a personal injury claim and help you recoup your losses.
Negligent Acts That Lead to a Bus Crash
- Fatigued Driving - Commercial bus drivers can only drive a set number of hours within a specific time period. If those hours are exceeded, the driver might be drowsy or unable to function normally and cause a crash.
- Reckless Driving - Exceeding the posted speed limit, ignoring traffic laws, or running stop signs are different aspects of reckless driving.
- Mechanical Failure - Buses must be properly maintained and any repairs should be done promptly. If the company fails to do this, crashes can result.
- Driving While Intoxicated - Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause serious accidents.
If the bus driver was guilty of doing any of these things right before the crash, he or she was acting negligently. If negligence causes the crash, you might be awarded additional damages called punitive damages.
Punitive damages are designed to punish the driver for acting in such a manner and to help reduce the risks of such behavior in the future. Consult with a personal injury attorney to learn how to proceed with a claim.
Collisions Involving a Bus
If you were seriously injured in a crash with a bus, your personal injury lawyer might file a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, future loss of compensation, and other damages. To protect yourself throughout the claims process, schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney today.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Chinatown Bus, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
