subject: Causes and Finding Who Is Liable In a Bus Accident by:Mark Dacanay [print this page] Bus accidents are dangerous because the sheer size of the vehicle itself. Add to that the number of passengers in the bus and an accident can cause multiple fatalities and injury victims.
Every year thousand of adults and children sustain harm and injuries from school, charter and tour bus accidents that could lead to expensive medical bills, loss of income and temporary or permanent disabilities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 300 fatal bus accidents that happen every year. This includes school, charter and tour bus accidents.
The government makes it a point to keep the roads safe but sometimes there is no avoiding a bus accident.
The common causes of bus accidents are:
DUI - Whether it is the driver of the bus or the driver from another vehicle, DUI is still the leading cause of not only bus accidents but of all motor vehicle accidents
Reckless Driving - Drivers of buses and trucks should be more careful on the road because of the damage the sheer size of their vehicle can cause.
Weather Conditions - Slippery road as a result of rain and snow can make a vehicle lose control. Fogs also lessen the visibility on the road and increases chances of an accident.
Defective equipment - Defective brakes, lights or even tires are dangerous on any vehicles. It is especially dangerous on big vehicles like big rig trucks and tour buses.
Improper Maintenance - All bus owners should keep their buses running in good condition. The can be held liable if the accident was proven to be caused by an unmaintained bus.
Dangerous roadways - Drivers tend to jerk the steering wheel aggressively when it comes to sharp turns. This could cause the bus to flip because of the imbalance.
Because buses are not usually owned or maintained by the drivers, finding who is at fault can be very complicated.
The liable parties may include the following:
Driver - If the driver's negligence caused the accident then he/she may be held liable for the accident. Common causes of driver negligence are fatigue, intoxication and recklessness.
Bus Company - All bus companies, whether it is a charter or tour bus line, are partially responsible for the actions of their employees. Furthermore, if the company overworks a driver, that may lead to driver fatigue and cause an accident.
Manufacturer - Manufacturing companies are liable for injuries that are caused by a defective product they produced. If a bus accident was caused by a defective part, the manufacturer will be held liable.
Repair companies - Companies or individuals who fix and maintain the buses can be held responsible if they have improperly installed or did not properly maintain any parts of the buses.
Other Drivers - Sometimes it may not be the bus' fault. It may be caused by negligent actions by other drivers on the road.
Unruly passengers - If the drivers are left to manage even the unruly passengers in the bus, it will divide his attention off the road and may cause an accident.
If you are injured in a school, charter or tour bus accident, you can seek help from a lawyer that has extensive experience in handling bus accidents.
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