Steven A. Bagen | August 23, 2024 | Car Accidents
Buses are a common sight in our cities and towns, providing transportation for many people. While they’re generally a safe way to travel, accidents involving buses do happen. These accidents can be more complicated than typical car crashes due to the size of buses and the number of passengers involved.
Understanding the different types of bus accidents can help you know what to do if you’re ever involved in one. It’s also important to know why having a Gainesville bus accident attorney can be helpful in these situations.
Collisions with Other Vehicles
One of the most common types of bus accidents involves collisions with other vehicles. These can range from minor fender-benders to serious crashes with potentially life-changing consequences.
Rear-end collisions occur frequently, in bus accidents. These might happen when a bus stops suddenly and a vehicle behind fails to brake in time. Alternatively, a bus might rear-end another vehicle if the bus driver is distracted or misjudges the stopping distance. The risk of these accidents increases in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions when visibility and road conditions are compromised.
Side-impact crashes, often called T-bone accidents, can occur at intersections or when changing lanes. These are particularly dangerous as the sides of vehicles, including buses, typically have a less protective structure than the front or rear. A bus running a red light or a car failing to yield the right of way can lead to these devastating collisions. The force of a bus in a side-impact crash can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles and serious injuries to their occupants.
In some tragic cases, head-on collisions may occur, often with devastating consequences. These might happen if a bus or another vehicle crosses the center line on a two-way road, perhaps due to driver fatigue, distraction, or an attempt to pass on a two-lane highway. The combined force of two vehicles colliding head-on, especially when one is as large as a bus, can be catastrophic.
The cause of these accidents can vary widely. Sometimes, the bus driver might be liable due to fatigue from long hours, distraction, or even impairment. In other cases, another driver might cause the crash through reckless driving, speeding, or failure to obey traffic laws. There are also situations where both drivers might share the blame, such as when both are driving too fast for weather conditions.
Regardless of the cause, these accidents can result in injuries to bus passengers, the bus driver, and people in the other vehicle. Injuries can range from small cuts and bruises to serious trauma like spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries. The aftermath of such accidents often involves complicated legal situations, with multiple parties potentially bearing responsibility.
Pedestrian Accidents
Buses often operate in busy urban areas with high foot traffic, which can, unfortunately, lead to accidents involving pedestrians. These incidents are among the most severe types of bus accidents due to the extreme vulnerability of pedestrians when faced with the size and weight of a bus.
These accidents might happen in various scenarios. A common occurrence is when a bus hits someone crossing the street. This can be due to the bus driver not seeing the pedestrian, perhaps because of a blind spot or distraction. It can also happen if a pedestrian crosses against the light or emerges suddenly from between parked cars. In some cases, a pedestrian might misjudge the speed of an oncoming bus and attempt to cross when it’s unsafe.
Another scenario involves a pedestrian walking into the path of a moving bus. This might occur if the pedestrian is distracted, perhaps looking at a phone or not paying attention to their surroundings. It can also happen if a pedestrian assumes a bus will stop, such as at a crosswalk, but the bus driver fails to do so.
Sometimes, a bus’s side mirror might hit a person walking on the sidewalk. This can happen when buses navigate narrow streets or pull too close to the curb. While this might seem less severe than being hit by the full body of the bus, injuries from side mirror impacts can still be significant, especially if the pedestrian is knocked down onto the pavement as a result.
These types of accidents can be particularly serious due to the size difference between a person and a bus. Pedestrians have little to no protection against such a large vehicle, therefore, injuries from these accidents are often severe. Common injuries in pedestrian-bus accidents include broken bones, internal injuries, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. In the most tragic cases, these accidents can be fatal.
The aftermath of a pedestrian-bus accident can be complicated from a legal standpoint. Questions of liability may arise, especially if there’s any suggestion that the pedestrian may have contributed to the accident. This is where a bus accident attorney can be invaluable. They can help investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and build a case to ensure the injured pedestrian receives fair compensation for their injuries and suffering.
Also, if the bus is part of a public transportation system, these accidents often involve claims against municipal or government entities. Such claims can be subject to special rules and shorter deadlines, making it wise to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Cyclist Accidents
Similar to pedestrian accidents, collisions between buses and bicycles are a significant risk, especially in urban areas where cycling is popular. These accidents represent a unique category of bus accidents, combining the vulnerability of cyclists with the challenging operating conditions of city buses.
These accidents might occur in several ways. One common scenario is when a bus turns into a bike lane without noticing a cyclist. This can happen when a bus is turning right, and a cyclist is in the driver’s blind spot. The large size of buses creates substantial blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see cyclists in certain positions. This type of accident, often called a “right hook,” can be particularly dangerous as the cyclist may be caught between the bus and the curb.
Another scenario involves a cyclist riding too close to a bus. This might happen when a cyclist is trying to pass a bus on the right, perhaps to reach a bike lane or to get ahead of traffic. A collision can occur if the bus moves right or the cyclist misjudges the space available. The draft created by a moving bus can also affect a cyclist’s stability if they’re riding too close.
Left-turn accidents are another risk. These can happen when a bus is making a left turn and fails to see an oncoming cyclist or misjudges the cyclist’s speed. The cyclist, having the right of way, may not expect the bus to turn into their path.
While “Dooring” incidents are more commonly associated with cars, they can also occur with buses. This happens when a passenger exiting a bus opens the door without checking for oncoming cyclists. A cyclist colliding with a suddenly opened bus door can suffer serious injuries.
These accidents can be very serious due to the size difference between a bicycle and a bus. Cyclists have minimal protection against such a large vehicle, often resulting in severe injuries. Common injuries in bus-cyclist accidents include broken bones, road rash, internal injuries, and head trauma. Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk of concussions or more severe brain injuries in collisions with buses.
The legal aftermath of a bus-cyclist accident can be complicated. Questions of liability may arise, especially if there’s any suggestion that the cyclist may have violated traffic laws. However, many jurisdictions have laws specifically protecting cyclists, such as safe passing distance requirements for vehicles overtaking bicycles. A knowledgeable bus accident lawyer can help navigate these laws and build a strong case for the injured cyclist.
Additionally, these accidents may involve claims against the bus company or municipal authorities responsible for designing and maintaining bike lanes. An attorney can identify all potential sources of compensation, which may include coverage for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and bike replacement or repair.
Prompt legal advice is advised in the wake of such an accident. Evidence such as surveillance footage or witness statements needs to be gathered quickly. A bus accident lawyer can start this process immediately, preserving evidence to support your claim.
School Bus Accidents
School buses have their own set of risks and potential accident types. Accidents can happen while children are boarding or exiting the bus, so many areas have laws requiring other vehicles to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading. Collisions with vehicles that don’t stop for the bus are a serious concern. Children can be injured inside the bus due to sudden stops or turns, especially since many school buses don’t have seatbelts. The safety of children makes these accidents particularly concerning and often garners significant attention.
Causes of Bus Accidents
Understanding what causes bus accidents can help you stay safe and know what to look for if you’re involved in an accident. Driver error is a common cause, just like in any vehicle accident. This might include distracted driving, such as using a phone while driving or driving too fast for the conditions. Bus drivers might not check their blind spots carefully enough, or they might be fatigued from long hours on the road.
Poor maintenance is another potential cause of bus accidents. Buses need regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. If brakes aren’t serviced regularly, tires are worn or not properly inflated, or if lights or signals aren’t working correctly, it can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Sometimes, the road itself might contribute to an accident. Poor road conditions, like potholes, unclear signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals, can all cause bus accidents. Severe weather can also be a factor, making roads slippery or reducing visibility.
The Importance of a Bus Accident Lawyer
If you’re involved in a bus accident, having a Gainesville bus accident attorney can be beneficial. These accidents are often more complicated than typical car crashes. Multiple parties might be involved, including the bus company, the driver, other vehicles, and even government entities if it’s a public bus. A personal injury attorney who focuses on bus accidents understands these issues.
A bus accident lawyer can navigate the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected. A bus accident attorney can investigate the accident, gathering evidence to support your case. This might include reviewing police reports, talking to witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
Insurance companies often try to settle bus accident cases quickly and for as little money as possible. A skilled bus accident attorney can negotiate with these companies on your behalf, fighting for fair compensation for your injuries and losses. If necessary, they can take your case to court to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Also, a bus accident lawyer understands the specific laws and regulations that apply to buses. This knowledge can help build a strong case. They can identify if any safety regulations were violated, which can be important evidence in your favor.
It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a bus accident. There are often deadlines for filing claims, and evidence can disappear quickly. A lawyer can start working on your case right away, preserving important evidence and protecting your rights from the beginning.
What to Do If You’re in a Bus Accident
If you’re involved in a bus accident, your first priority should be your health and safety. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some injuries might not be apparent right away, and having a medical record can be important if you need to make a claim later.
As soon as you’re able, contact a bus accident lawyer. They can guide you through the next steps, helping you avoid common mistakes that might hurt your case. They can also start investigating the accident right away, which helps build a strong case.
Remember, bus companies and their insurance providers will have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. Having your own Gainesville bus accident attorney levels the playing field, ensuring your rights are protected and you have the best chance at fair compensation.
A Bus Accident Lawyer Can Guide You Through the Legal Process
If you’ve been in a bus accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Gainesville bus accident attorney for help. Most offer free consultations, so you can get advice about your case without any financial obligation. With the right legal support, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the difficulties of your case.