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(501) 372-6303 SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
(501) 372-6303 SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
Public transportation is an environmentally friendly form of travel that offers commuters a stress-free ride in exchange for their patience and flexibility. Ideally, bus passengers are able to get on the bus, relax, and arrive at their destination. The downside of public transport like buses is that riders must give up control to the bus driver. If the driver is negligent or fails to respond to dangers on the road, all passengers are put at risk.
While these accidents are infrequent, they can result in substantial injuries for bus passengers and occupants of other vehicles. Since buses are so large, they have a tremendous amount of force in an accident, even at low speeds. Bus accidents often lead to multiple victims with substantial injuries. If another driver is responsible for the wreck, the personal injury claim process can get complex. A Little Rock bus accident lawyer could help you determine the responsible party and seek compensation.
Bus accidents are not very common, as bus drivers are trained professionals and most of them exercise the appropriate care and concern while driving. Additionally, buses are enormous, making it difficult for even distracted drivers to miss them.
However, many drivers are ignorant of the safety precautions they should take around large vehicles, including buses. Unsafe driving behavior contributes to a large percentage of bus accidents, and the bus driver or other drivers may be at fault. Some of those contributing factors include speeding, cutting off the bus, tailgating, and failing to stay in their lane.
Bad driving behaviors also include distracted driving, drowsy driving, and drunk driving. These behaviors are responsible for the vast majority of today’s auto accidents, and bus accidents are no different.
When a driver is distracted, it can be difficult for them to notice other vehicles, even something as large as a bus. When the bus driver is distracted, it is easy for them to miss other, smaller vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, bus drivers may have a more difficult time eliminating or reducing distractions, especially those due to unruly passengers.
The reason behind the accident does not change a person’s injuries. However, it can have a considerable influence on the amount a person can recover. If another driver is at fault, their insurance may pay for a victim’s injuries. However, their liability policy may also be insufficient to cover all of the damages from a bus accident. If the bus company is liable, they may also have liability limits in place. A Little Rock attorney could look at the facts and help estimate potentially available damages after a bus wreck.
The sheer size of buses contributes to injuries in bus wrecks, but so does the lack of safety equipment on most buses. In a passenger vehicle, passengers have safety belts, airbags, and more to help keep them safe. In buses, passengers may not have access to that same safety equipment, and some passengers may even be standing. The risk of injuries is much greater because of the lack of protection for passengers.
Occupants in vehicles hit by buses may not fare much better. While they have safety features like seat belts and airbags, buses are so large that they can still do a multitude of damage. Injuries can range from mild to severe and include:
If the accident involves fire or any crush injury, victims could experience amputations, burns, and other extreme injuries, including death. Regardless of whether your injuries are mild or severe, a bus accident attorney in Little Rock could help you calculate the value of your losses.
Bus accidents can be catastrophic. They can lead to mass—and massive—injuries. You may not know who is responsible or how to go about making a claim. After all, since bus companies are common carriers, they could be owned by government agencies, private owners, or quasi-government agencies.
Do not try to figure it out on your own. Instead, schedule a consultation with a Little Rock bus accident lawyer. A lawyer could help you determine the value of your damages, keep you from accepting lowball settlement offers, and identify all potentially liable parties. Contact us today.