Accidents can happen on a school bus, a government (city or municipal) bus, or a tour bus. They can be caused by driver error, inattention, or speeding––all possibly complicated by driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other causes can include bad weather complicated by wind, rain or snow, malfunctioning equipment, poor maintenance, or unsafe roads or traffic conditions.

There are many factors in a bus accident, but the outcome can be simple to severe to fatal. Physically, a victim may experience minor cuts, scrapes, broken bones, severe pain, head trauma, paralysis or worse. Emotionally, the experience may tough to get past. Extensive medical, nursing or mental health care may be necessary.

Statistics

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,392 deaths from a bus accident in the years 2004–2008, averaging out to 278 people each year. Non–fatal injuries during that same period, according to the Motor Carrier Management Information System research conducted for the Department of Transportation, there were 75,048 injuries involving buses. This amounts to approximately 15,009 injuries each year.

What to Do After a Bus Accident

It is crucial to seek immediate medical care for any injuries that happened as a result of a bus accident, even if you or a loved one doesn't think they are seriously hurt. Many times injuries can worsen after the initial accident.

Also, secure an experienced attorney who knows how to handle the intricacies of a bus accident. There are different rules that apply to particular accidents, such as whether the bus was a commercial or government–owned vehicle. Also, there many be limits to how long you can wait after a bus accident to file a claim, again depending on whether it is a commercial or government–owned bus that was involved in the accident.

Who May Be Responsible for Injuries

There are many possible parties that may be considered responsible, depending on the specifics of your particular case. A reputable and experienced attorney can let you know exactly who may be considered at fault.

These can include the following:

• The Bus Company, which includes the individual owner as well as the company itself. They might be responsible for maintaining a safe bus that operates properly and does not have obvious problems with the wheels, tires or braking, or steering systems. The bus company is also responsible for maintaining safety procedures, and for hiring safe drivers and quality maintenance workers who can properly service and repair the vehicle.
• Bus Maintenance Companies, which may be contracted by the bus company to ensure the vehicles are safe and working properly.
• State or Local Governments, which may own and operate the bus involved in the accident. They may also be considered at fault if the road conditions were a factor in the accident.
• School Districts and School Boards, which may be involved if the bus accident involved a school bus, or happened because safety guidelines weren't in place or weren't followed properly.
• Affiliated Cruise Lines and Tour Operators, which typically use buses that are part of tour services or other sightseeing experiences.
• Bus Driver, who is responsible for unsafe driving. This can include failing to obey the rules of the road, driver error, impaired ability, and other factors may cause a bus driver to be considered personally responsible for a bus accident, though the bus company and related insurance companies are usually held financially responsible for such accidents.
• Drivers of Other Vehicles and their employers, who can be named if they are involved in the bus accident, or if they were on the job when the accident occurred.
• Bus or Bus Part Manufacturers, which may be found to have sent or used vehicles or parts that weren't working properly or designed correctly.

What Kind of Compensation Might Be Recovered?

Again, the specifics depend on exactly what injuries were sustained, as well as the details of the particular accident. Possible claims may include medical costs, lost wages, how future earnings may be affected, ongoing care for potentially life–threatening or life–changing injuries, therapy, pain and suffering, spousal concerns, workers' compensation, punitive damages, and/or wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, contact our office. We can help you determine who is at fault, and how to sort out the details for how compensation can take place. Call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 toll–free, or contact us online for a free consultation.