Bus Accidents

With increasing gas prices, environmental concerns and increasing amounts of traffic flooding the roadways, more and more people are opting for public transportation than ever before. However, while using buses does help take some cars off the road, it hasn't necessarily decreased the incidence of vehicle accidents. In fact, bus accidents have caused thousands of deaths and injuries in recent years.

For example, last year alone, about 19,000 people experienced injury as the result of a bus accident. Similarly, around 12,000 children were injured on school buses.

Because anything from equipment malfunctions to a neighboring driver's negligence can cause a bus accident, knowing when you are entitled to monetary compensation is essential.

Causes of Bus Accidents

Just as other vehicles on the road, buses are susceptible to the elements and can get in accidents:

• during rainy, snowy or otherwise poor weather conditions
• if drivers (either those of the bus or a neighboring car) are negligent
• if drivers are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or some other impairing substance
• if vehicles aren't properly maintained
• on poor roads or roadways under construction
• when pieces of the bus’s equipment malfunctions

Keep in mind that a lack of seat belts in most public community and school buses can intensify the damage done by bus accidents.

After a bus accident, you can suffer from any number of mild to severe, temporary to permanent health problems. From whiplash and back and neck injuries to broken bones to brain injury, the damage that results from bus accidents can be extremely painful and potentially life-altering.

Compensation for Bus Accidents

If you experience a bus accident on any bus – whether it's publicly or privately owned, you are likely entitled to monetary compensation. This is due to the fact that U.S. state and federal law dictates that buses belong to a group of vehicles known as "common carriers," meaning that their primary function is to transport the public. Commercial airliners, cruise ships, buses and other vehicles that primarily transport the public are all common carriers.

Because common carriers spend most of their time in the service of people, according to U.S. law, they hold a higher level of responsibility to ensuring public safety. Consequently, the owners of common carriers are required to go out of their way to ensure their equipment is safe and their passengers are adequately protected.

When owners of common carriers, including the government itself, are negligent and bus accidents occur, seek the aide of a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer. Securing a lawyer as soon as you can will help you get the best evidence from the crash, the most accurate witness accounts and the most thorough investigation of the incident. Together, these factors can help your lawyer prove that you are entitled to compensation after a bus accident.

To learn more about your legal rights after a bus accident, contact us today.

175 Central Street
Suite 215
Lowell, MA 01852

Tel: 800-483-9219