As a leading bus accident law firm in Los Angeles, The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani has helped clients injured in many types of accidents. We’ve seen many causes of bus crashes. No matter the reason for an accident that caused your injury, our team fights for your rights and to win the compensation you deserve. Here are the top 10 causes a bus accident lawyer can build your case on:
- Driver Fatigue
- Speeding
- Poor Weather Conditions
- Driving Under the Influence
- Distracted Driving
- Mechanical Defects
- Lack of Maintenance
- Overcrowded Bus
- Collision with Another Vehicle
- Hazards on the Road
1. Driver Fatigue
A bus driver can cause an accident if they had little sleep the night before. They can also become fatigued if they’ve been driving too many hours. Drowsy driving is similar in many ways to drunk driving. It can affect concentration and judgment. Falling asleep at the wheel causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. Therefore, the safety of bus passengers depends on their alertness.
2. Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of bus accidents in Los Angeles. Delays are common and drivers are often pressured to pick up passengers on time and follow their schedule. While it’s important to reach bus stops quickly, speed increases the risk of an accident. It creates a serious hazard as the average passenger bus weighs 42,000 pounds. By comparison, the average car weighs about 3,000 pounds; therefore, collisions often have tragic consequences.
3. Poor Weather Conditions
Bad weather often plays a role in bus accidents in California. Heavy rain can cause roads to become slippery, while fog can reduce visibility. The risk of an accident is much higher if a driver doesn’t slow down or otherwise compensate for adverse weather conditions. No matter the speed limit, a bus operator should drive slower to reduce the risk of a crash and keep passengers safe.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Driving while intoxicated is against the law and puts people in danger. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows a driver’s reaction time and impairs their vision and judgment. They’re also more likely to tailgate vehicles ahead of them, weave between lanes, and otherwise engage in reckless driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires bus drivers to take drug and alcohol tests; violating rules can result in harsh penalties.
5. Distracted Driving
Talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, tinkering with the radio, or engaging in any other activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road is dangerous. Distracted driving can result in injuries to bus passengers, drivers and passengers of other vehicles, and pedestrians. Bus drivers may also be distracted by passenger activity, so they must make it known not to disrupt them while operating the vehicle.
6. Mechanical Defects
Not all bus accidents are caused by drivers. A mechanical malfunction can cause a bus operator to lose control and crash. In this case, a bus company may be negligent if it ignored federal regulations on inspections and recordkeeping or did not properly train drivers. A repair shop or parts manufacturer may be liable if the cause of an accident can be traced back to their negligence.
7. Lack of Maintenance
Bus companies and operators must maintain their vehicles and keep them safe. Without maintenance, issues with a bus’s tires, brakes, or steering can occur and trigger an accident. A bus in need of repairs should not be on the road. It puts the safety of passengers and others at risk no matter how carefully the vehicle is driven.
8. Overcrowded Bus
The FMCSA sets weight limits on buses. These vary depending on the size of the vehicle and the number of passengers it’s designed to transport. Exceeding weight limits can make it difficult to operate a bus, meaning overcrowding increases the risk of a bus accident.
9. Collision with Another Vehicle
Another driver can be negligent in causing a bus crash. Whether they were speeding, driving recklessly, distracted, or otherwise disobeying traffic laws, a bus accident lawyer can help hold them accountable. Disobedient drivers may enter the bus driver’s blind spots, making them hard to detect. Many accidents also occur when buses make left turns; bus drivers are supposed to lean forward and backward to eliminate blind spots but often aren’t able to, or other vehicles are moving too fast.
10. Hazards on the Road
Potholes, damaged asphalt, bad weather, construction equipment, and foreign objects on the road can contribute to a bus crash. Some roads are not suitable for buses to travel on. Yet, bus drivers may have to navigate them on their routes. Road conditions sometimes cause accidents. The liable party may be the bus driver but can also be a construction company or local government agency.
What to Do If You’re in a Bus Accident
After you’re in a bus crash, no matter the cause, seek medical care immediately. This can eliminate any insurance disputes and provide your attorney with strong evidence to build your case. Obtaining a police report ensures they have details on how the collision occurred. Also, other evidence, such as photos from the crash scene and statements from drivers and witnesses, should be gathered. Lastly, you should hire an experienced bus accident lawyer to help with your claim and pursue higher compensation if necessary. Click here for more information on what to do after a bus accident.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
Our Los Angeles personal injury attorney has defended many clients injured in bus accidents. Bus companies have powerful insurance companies, but our legal team knows how to take them on. We specialize in recovering damages, so you have the financial compensation to manage the impacts of a severe injury on your life. This compensation can include economic (lost wages, medical bills), non-economic (pain and suffering), and punitive damages.
For high-quality legal representation and free consultation by a compassionate bus accident lawyer, call us at (888) 952-2952 today.