The good news is that bus accidents decreased in 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The pandemic shutdown may skew these statistics, and when newer statistics are released, the trend may not hold. In 2020, 156 buses were involved in fatal crashes, with 7,000 bus crashes that caused injuries.
If you are injured in an incident involving a bus, it is essential to understand your rights after a bus accident.
When a bus accident occurs, the victims are typically those individuals outside the bus. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists are often hurt worse than bus passengers because of the large size difference between buses and passenger cars. Some of the common reasons behind bus accidents include the following:
There are several reasons why bus accidents can be more complicated than typical accidents. One is that private companies run some buses while others are part of the government transportation, typically meaning that the driver is a city, school district, or governmental employee. Knowing if a bus falls under special laws governing governmental entities is critical. There are different, much shorter, deadlines and special rules when dealing with such entities.
It’s beneficial to seek professional legal assistance from a law firm familiar with bus accident cases. Investigations performed by an experienced law firm can reveal past issues, including the bus driver’s record, maintenance issues, and other factors that may have played a role in the crash. There are often specialized laws that relate to buses and bus companies. Hardy, Wolf & Downing is here to help. Contact us today to take advantage of our free consultation to learn more about your rights following your bus accident.
Get the compensation you deserve. Contact Hardy, Wolf & Downing today to get started with an initial free consultation to talk to a lawyer about your situation.