The service that public transportation, such as buses, provides is vital for local communities and the economy. Passengers rely on them to commute to and from work and other destinations on a daily basis. While bus crashes are not necessarily common, they do occur.
Unfortunately, when accidents happen, buses’ massive size and weight often leave passengers and nearby pedestrians with severe injuries. Negligence is usually involved when these types of collisions occur. Fortunately, when the driver or transportation company is to blame, the court will hold them financially accountable for damages the victims experience.
If you suffered injuries in a public transportation crash, contact a diligent Bartlett bus accident lawyer for help with your claim. The dedicated team of personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of David E. Gordon are prepared to advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Potential Causes for Bus Crashes
Public bus crashes are rare. However, they often cause severe injuries and property losses when they occur. Because passengers do not have the same protections as passenger cars, such as seatbelts, they often sustain more serious, and often catastrophic, injuries. A board-certified Bartlett bus collision attorney like David E. Gordon can review a particular case to determine the cause of the crash and who is responsible. Some of the common causes of bus accidents include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is hazardous for all drivers, including commercial bus operators. A driver daydreaming or taking their eyes off the road—even for a few seconds can quickly lead to disaster.
Fatigued Driving
Public transportation operators and other common carrier drivers spend long hours behind the wheel and frequently work for lengthy periods before taking breaks. Long hours, a lack of sleep, and neglecting breaks can lead to bus crashes. Exhausted drivers have slower reaction times and trouble focusing, leaving their minds to wander while behind the wheel.
Bus Driver Error
Newer drivers or those that did not receive adequate training may make an error that causes a collision. A lack of training and inexperience often leads to innocent bus passengers suffering unnecessary injuries.
Bus Mechanical Failure
The companies that own and operate buses used for public transportation must ensure they keep the vehicles in safe working condition and well-maintained. They must ensure the bus has good tires, working brakes, and is always in sufficient mechanical working order. If they fail to provide regular maintenance, the bus may not be safe to operate and could cause an accident.
Common Carrier Duty to Passengers
Tennessee Annotated 47-7-309 holds bus drivers to a higher standard than other drivers, requiring them to provide a greater level of duty of care to their passengers. When the driver or carrier is negligent, they may be held financially responsible. An experienced bus crash lawyer in Bartlett, like David, can investigate a particular situation to collect the necessary evidence to help an injured passenger prove the bus driver or carrier’s liability.
Get in Touch with a Bartlett Bus Accident Attorney Today
Bus crashes can leave you or a loved one with severe and life-altering injuries. When careless actions cause an accident, you should not have to cover the losses. State legislation and civil law hold bus drivers and the companies they work for at a higher standard of care. When they are negligent, the civil court will award money to those who suffered injuries.
However, this process can be complex and require skillful negotiations, litigation, and evidence review. Contacting a skilled legal professional can help you collect the maximum compensation you need for your care and recovery. Call now to schedule a free consultation with a hard-working and capable Bartlett bus accident lawyer at the Law Office of David E. Gordon.
