Buses transport millions of passengers every year across the United States, serving as school transportation, public transit, and long-distance travel. While buses are generally considered safe, serious crashes still occur and can lead to devastating injuries for passengers and other motorists.
Data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that federal crash reports track thousands of incidents involving large trucks and buses each year. That includes crashes that cause injuries and fatalities.
Understanding the causes of bus accidents is key to identifying liability when a crash occurs. Many collisions stem from bus driver negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or failure to obey traffic laws. Other bus accident causes may include poorly maintained vehicles, dangerous road conditions, negligent bus companies, or reckless drivers sharing the road.
Because buses carry dozens of passengers and weigh far more than standard vehicles, even a single mistake can quickly turn into a serious bus collision cause. An experienced bus accident lawyer knows how to help, no matter the cause of the accident.
Below are some of the most common bus crash causes and how they can lead to serious bus driver accidents and injuries.
Bus Driver Error
Despite being responsible for dozens of people, bus drivers are susceptible to all of the same errors as standard motor vehicle drivers. A bus driver that is negligent, or careless, behind the wheel may cause an accident.
Common examples of bus driver errors are distracted driving, failing to pay attention to the road, texting and driving, driving drowsy, speeding, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, following other vehicles too closely, running red lights, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
Any lapse in judgment or moment of inattention by a bus driver could have devastating consequences.
Other Driver Error
Some bus accidents are caused not by a negligent bus driver but by an outside driver. Someone driving near a bus may cut the bus off and slam on the brakes, for example, causing a rear-end collision.
Another driver may run a red light or stop sign and crash into the side of a bus. Any act of carelessness, negligence or recklessness behind the wheel could make it impossible for the bus driver to avoid a collision.
Employer Negligence
Bus accidents are unique in that they do not only involve two motor vehicle drivers but the bus company or entity in charge of bus operations, as well.
On a private bus or charter bus, such as a Greyhound, the bus company is responsible for safe operations and well-trained drivers. On a public bus, the city is responsible. On a school bus, the school district or private school is responsible.
Duties of care include hiring qualified bus drivers, training drivers, regularly inspecting buses and maintaining the fleets. Falling short of these responsibilities can lead to dangerous buses or bus drivers that increase the risk of accidents.
Bus Defects
Bus manufacturers and auto part distributors do not always ensure the safety of their products. Some buses may contain defective or dangerous parts that malfunction or break down in transit.
Examples are bad brakes that fail during a ride or defective tires that cause a blowout accident. The manufacturing company can be held liable for accidents caused by bus defects under the law of product liability. In many of these cases, our Aurora bus accident lawyers know that victims do not have to prove negligence to qualify for financial compensation.
Road Defects
Although buses are large and heavy and can roll over many minor road flaws and defects, major issues could cause a bus accident.
A large pothole, debris in the road or a malfunctioning traffic light, for example, could cause the bus driver to lose control of the vehicle or crash. The city or state government that is responsible for public roadway maintenance could be held liable for these bus accidents in Denver.
Passenger Behavior
Bus drivers must contend with passengers while controlling these large vehicles. If a passenger gets out of hand, such as a violent or intoxicated passenger, the passenger could cause a bus accident.
The passenger may attack the bus driver while he or she is driving, for example, or distract the bus driver’s attention from the road in other ways.
Bus Driver Negligence
One of the most common causes of bus accidents is bus driver negligence. Bus drivers operate large vehicles that often carry dozens of passengers, so even a brief distraction or mistake can lead to serious crashes. Common examples include distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, impaired driving, or failing to obey traffic signals.
When bus driver accidents occur because a driver was careless behind the wheel, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation. Negligent driving is a frequent bus collision cause, and these crashes often result in severe injuries for passengers and others involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents
1. What is the most common cause of bus accidents?
One of the most common bus accident causes is driver error. Bus driver negligence such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws can easily lead to serious crashes.
Because buses carry many passengers and are large vehicles, even small mistakes can result in major accidents.
2. Who can be responsible for a bus accident?
Liability for a bus accident can involve several parties. A negligent driver, the bus company, a government transit agency, a vehicle manufacturer, or another motorist may all contribute to a bus crash cause depending on the circumstances of the accident.
3. What injuries occur in bus accidents?
Bus accidents can result in serious injuries because many buses lack seatbelts and passengers may be standing or moving around. Victims may suffer head injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, or other trauma.
These bus driver injuries and passenger injuries can require extensive medical treatment.
4. When should I contact a lawyer after a bus accident?
If you were injured in a crash involving a bus, it may be helpful to speak with a bus accidents lawyer as soon as possible.
An attorney can investigate the bus collision cause, determine who may be responsible, and help pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Injured in a Bus Accident? Speak With a Colorado Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents can leave victims dealing with serious injuries, medical expenses, and uncertainty about what to do next. When bus accident causes involve driver negligence, unsafe vehicles, or careless third-party drivers, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation.
An experienced bus accident lawyer investigates the cause of the bus crash, determines who may be responsible, and helps you explore your legal options. The attorneys at Manning Herington Law Firm have experience handling complex accident claims throughout Colorado and are committed to helping injury victims seek fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash, contact Manning Herington Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case. Reach out now!
