Answers to FAQs Regarding Bus Accidents

April 8, 2019

Bus accidents almost always make headlines because of the number of injuries that such accidents can cause. Passengers expect to be safe when traveling in commercial vehicles or commuting on city buses. Parents trust that their children will not be harmed while riding on school buses. We all expect a high regard for safety from those individuals who are responsible for the fate of many lives every day. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and one involving a large vehicle carrying 50 or more passengers has the potential to cause many severe injuries and even fatalities.

 

Following a bus accident, passengers, drivers, and pedestrians all may feel confused and unsure of what to do next. Below, the experienced bus accident lawyers at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding bus accidents.

 

What are the most common causes of bus accidents?

The answer to this question involves a combination of several factors. A fully loaded bus can weigh over 40,000 pounds. Under certain conditions, this size and weight alone can cause a serious accident. The laws of physics, combined with a human or mechanical error, make the cause of an accident complicated. Three of the most common causes of bus accidents are (1) bus driver error, (2) defective roadways, and (3) mechanical failure, all of which we discuss in more detail below.

 

Bus Driver Error

Behaviors that fall under the category of operator error include:

  • Fatigue
  • Taking a turn too quickly
  • Driving aggressively
  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Ignoring traffic signals
  • Driving with a serious health condition

 

Defective or Dangerous Roads

There is an expectation of safety when one drives on a public road. As citizens of California, we all have a right to expect that our roadways are properly maintained, designed, and constructed; however, that’s not always the case. Thousands of drivers are involved each year in serious accidents caused by roadway design and construction defects.

 

Buses are unwieldy vehicles, and many crashes occur because of inexperienced, poorly-trained drivers. Such inexperience leaves drivers especially vulnerable to dangerous road conditions and negligent maintenance, such as potholes, road wear and tear, and insufficient lighting. Some of the most common design defects are:

  • Road texture and materials
  • Rate of incline
  • Angle of curves
  • Narrow roads
  • Poor workmanship

 

Defective Manufacturing

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicle-related issues, such as mechanical failure and defective parts, often play a key role in causing bus accidents. Defective tires, bad brakes, and faulty electrical systems are among the most common culprits.

 

What should I do following a bus accident?

Dealing with the legalities and repercussions of any collision can be problematic and complicated. Following an accident, most individuals are disoriented and unsure of what to do next. Generally, the best course of action is to:

  • Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if there is no apparent cause for concern. Back, neck, and brain injuries may take time to appear.
  • Once the danger has passed, collect and document as much information as possible, such as photos of the accident scene and contact information for other passengers and witnesses.
  • Request a copy of the accident report.

 

In the event that you file a personal injury lawsuit related to your accident, the above-listed documents may become vital evidence.

 

Who is responsible for causing the accident?

Intercity buses and school buses are usually owned by state and/or local governments. Tour, charter, hotel, and church buses may be individually owned or owned by large corporations. In some cases, multiple defendants may share responsibility for causing an accident. The list of potentially liable parties includes, but is not limited to:

  • Bus driver
  • Bus driver’s supervisor
  • Tour bus operator
  • School bus operator
  • Charter bus operator
  • Driver(s) of other vehicles
  • Bus maintenance company
  • Bus owner
  • City, county, or state agency
  • Bus manufacturer
  • Bus part manufacturer

 

Can I file a personal injury lawsuit after a bus accident?

When passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers sustain injuries in bus accidents, they will likely want to file a personal injury claim that seeks compensation for their injuries. An experienced bus accident attorney can help victims recover damages caused by someone’s negligence or reckless actions.

 

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Most personal injury claims in California have a statute of limitations of two years, which means a plaintiff must file his or her claim within two years from the date of the accident. However, that timing changes if the case involves a governmental entity, such as the transit authority. The California Tort Claims Act details a victim’s responsibility when bringing suit against a government entity. In this case, an injured individual only has six months to file a claim for damages. Importantly, a claim for damages is different than a lawsuit. Once the claim is filed, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

 

What compensation is available in a bus accident lawsuit?

Compensatory damages provide for a victim’s economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are the actual costs a victim incurs as a result of an accident. Non-economic damages are harder to quantify and do not necessarily have a fixed cost. Compensatory damages in a bus accident lawsuit may include:

  • Emergency room, hospital, and doctor bills
  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Physical therapy
  • In-home care
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Vehicle repair
  • Loss of consortium
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Court costs and fees

 

What are common injuries in a bus accident?

Bus accident injuries are often more severe than those suffered in other motor vehicle accidents, due to buses’ general lack of safety features, such as airbags, seatbelts, rollover protection, and crumple zones. Passengers in a bus accident may be sitting sideways, facing backward, or even standing in the aisles; this increases the likelihood of being thrown about the bus upon impact.

 

Additionally, pedestrians, drivers of other vehicles, and automobile passengers are also vulnerable to severe injuries due to the sheer size of a bus. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Head and spinal cord injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Internal injuries
  • Burns
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of a limb
  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Bruises, cuts, and scrapes

 

How do I get in touch with an experienced Santa Ana bus accident attorney?

A bus accident can be catastrophic, complicated, and costly. Receiving fair and just compensation is possible, particularly with the assistance of a team of experienced personal injury lawyers. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, we know what steps to take to hold those at fault accountable. Call Aitken * Aitken * Cohn today at (714) 434-1424, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced litigators.