The average automobile weighs about 3,000 pounds. The average bus, fully loaded, may weigh as much as 42,000 pounds. If the latter hits the former, severe injuries or fatalities may ensue. A Bart Bernard bus accident attorney can determine who is at fault and hold them liable.
Bus Accident Causes
Common causes of bus accidents include negligence on the part of the driver or bus company, but other factors are often involved. These include:
- Inclement weather
- Driver fatigue
- Poor maintenance
- Other motorists
- Inadequate driver training
- Speeding
Many of these accidents happen as the vehicles make left-hand turns. In addition, a blind spot on the part of the bus driver– may also result in a collision.
Unfortunately, bus fires also occur frequently. Dirty engines, due to improper maintenance, are a prime source– as are the tires and wheel wells. Buses with under-inflated tires, traveling on highways, are prone to catch fire due to heat build-up.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
Anyone injured seriously in a bus accident will likely find themselves heading to the nearest emergency room in an ambulance. However, some victims may not think they were hurt badly or even injured at all. It is still vital to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries, especially those involving soft tissues, are not apparent right away.
The adrenalin rush after a crash often masks the seriousness of an injury. Failure to see a doctor promptly can harm your claim, as the insurance company will either allege the injuries are from something else, or are not as bad as you claim.
If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including anything which may have contributed to the collision. That might include debris in the roadway, broken traffic signals, or even broken pavement—such as a pothole. In these situations, the jurisdiction responsible for road maintenance may prove accountable for the crash.
Bus Accident Damages
Many bus accident injuries are devastating, and victims may never fully recover or hold a job again. They may require special services or equipment for the rest of their lives. Compensation, or damages, for bus accident injuries may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
Contact the Bart Bernard team of Claiborne Bus Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury, a bus accident lawyer could help you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online, calling or texting 24/7. The majority of these cases are settled, but we will take your case to trial if needed.
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