Bus Accidents In Texas
Buses are a common way for people of all ages to get from one place to another. Young children and teens often ride them to and from school. People in large cities use public transit to get to work and back home. Seniors who no longer drive may use them as well to run errands.
Buses are very sturdy and safe. When they are involved in accidents, the injuries to occupants are typically minor. However, there are some situations in which bus crashes have been catastrophic and even deadly. For example, in 2019, 109 people were killed in school bus crashes.
Bus accidents are different from typical car crashes. In fact, because they are commercial vehicles, they are similar to semi truck accidents in which multiple people can be involved. Read on to learn more about these crashes.
Types of Buses
There are various types of buses that can be involved in an accident, such as the following:
- School buses
- Public transit buses
- Charter buses
- Tour buses
- Airport/hotel shuttle buses
Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus crashes can be caused by various factors, including the following:
- Bus driver fatigue. Bus drivers often work long shifts. School bus drivers may work a morning and afternoon route and then drive students to field trips or sporting events. These long days can result in fatigue if they don’t get enough sleep.
- Bus driver negligence. Bus drivers may not fully focus on the road. They may speed, text, use their phone, read, or engage in other unsafe behaviors.
- Bus company negligence. If a driver is not properly trained or if a vehicle is not properly maintained, the bus company can be held liable.
- Bad weather. Roads can get slick in the winter due to ice, snow, and rain. If a bus stops too quickly or hits a huge patch of ice or snow, they can lose control and get into a serious crash.
- Blind spots. Blind spots are another common cause of bus accidents. Buses are long and have a lot of blind spots, or areas that are not seen by the naked eye. Buses do have mirrors to eliminate blind spots, though, so drivers need to make sure to use these mirrors.
- Left turns. Left-turn crashes are also common among buses. This is often due to blind spots within the bus. The driver should be able to lean forward or back to eliminate them.
- Another driver. Bus crashes can also be caused by the negligence of another driver. Many motorists don’t know how to properly drive around buses. Plus, many are distracted, causing serious crashes.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Bus accidents are not like car accidents. Bus crashes may have multiple parties who are at fault, so it’s important to seek legal help with these cases.
The Houston bus accident attorneys at the West Law Office, PLLC will help you understand your rights as a bus passenger and hold the appropriate parties liable for your damages. Fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/school-bus/
