Bus Accidents

Public buses are a cheap transportation option, and are available in most cities and towns throughout the United States. While there are many pros to using buses to get around, there are also drawbacks. One issue that you may face is sustaining an injury in a bus accident. On this page, I will outline some common bus injuries and the different parties that may be at-fault for the injuries. Understanding the specifics of your situation can help you determine who to file a lawsuit against and how to recover compensation for your injuries. Work with a Connecticut bus accident lawyer on your claim for damages.

Common Bus Injuries

While buses generally do not travel at fast speeds, since they oftentimes drive in cities, accidents could cause injuries to passengers. Common bus injuries include broken bones, contusions, whiplash, concussions, and more. Oftentimes, injuries may be sustained because buses do not have seatbelts, or because there are not enough seats available and some people need to stand and hold on to handrails or poles to steady themselves.

Who is At Fault?

Several parties may be responsible for a bus accident. First, consider that another vehicle might be responsible for the accident by hitting the bus or causing the bus to swerve or stop suddenly. If this is the case and you want to recover compensation for your injuries, you would file a lawsuit against the driver of the other vehicle.

In other situations, the bus driver may be responsible for the accident. If the bus driver acts with negligence, they will be the at fault party for the accident. A few common examples of negligent driving include:

• Driving too fast for the weather conditions.
• Following other vehicles too closely.
• Operating the bus while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Reckless driving.
• Using a cell phone while driving.

Bus Company Liability

Sometimes, even if a bus driver causes an accident, the bus company itself is actually held responsible for the accident and subsequent injuries. This might be the case in several situations. First, if an accident occurred because the vehicle has not been properly maintained, the bus company may be held responsible. The bus company is also responsible for hiring responsible drivers and making sure that they are capable of driving. Hiring someone who does not have the proper license, has a history of driving under the influence, or a history of speeding may not be the best idea.

In addition, the bus company needs to make sure that their drivers are not overworked. Exhaustion can have a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to drive. The bus company should ensure that bus drivers have the time to recover from their shifts before getting behind the wheel again.

Seek Legal Help after a Connecticut Public Transit Accident

As you can see, there are a few different situations in which a bus accident may occur and cause injuries. If you have been injured in a bus accident, contact my office for help. A Connecticut bus accident lawyer can help you determine who is at fault and how to proceed as you seek justice. We can determine if filing a personal injury lawsuit is in your best interest, or if there is a better route to go given your situation. Contact our firm today for more information.