Peter Pan Bus Accidents

Peter Pan buses are a convenient and cost-effective way to travel within and between states throughout the Northeast. Headquartered in Springfield, MA, the company caters to over four million passengers each year. Unfortunately, these buses are still subject to human error. Peter Pan Bus Lines is considered a common carrier along with other commercial lines such as Greyhound, Capitol Trailways, and about 4,000 other American bus companies. Bus injuries tend to be worse than injuries in passenger vehicles. The lack of seatbelts and potential for objects to fly around is likely the cause. Injuries often include whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, burns, or even death.

Common causes of bus accidents include:

• Driver fatigue. Bus drivers work long shifts often beginning early in the morning and ending late in the evening. They are often placed on many routes each day. Fatigue impairs their decision-making and makes drivers less alert to road conditions around them.
• Driver drug or alcohol impairment. An extremely disconcerting number of accidents are the result of a driver under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This hinders their judgement and can lead to serious vehicle accidents.
• No matter the type of vehicle, speeding increases the chances of an accident. Driving too quickly minimizes the reaction time of both the speeding driver and other drivers on the road. Pressure to meet timeframes can lead to the speeding of bus drivers.
• Inadequate bus maintenance. Even the most attentive and able driver cannot prevent an accident if a bus is not in working condition. Faulty brakes and blinkers are a common cause of bus accidents.
• Inadequate driver training. Driving a bus is different than driving a passenger vehicle. Drivers much be experienced in dealing with a larger vehicle. Improperly trained drivers may make turns that are too wide, take curbs to quickly, or fail to slow down in time.
• Bus overload. Companies seek to maximize their profits, which means they have an interest in loading up their buses as much as possible. When they do not take the weight of passengers and items on the bus into account, the way the bus drives may be affected.
• Poor road conditions. Bus companies hate cancelling trips and refunding customers. It hurts their reputation and undermines their profits. Bus companies may go forward with trips when weather conditions are poor for these reasons.
• Failure to meet manufacturing standards. Bus companies may contract out of the country to have their buses made because it tends to be cheaper. Countries have different standards for their buses. Buses made by foreign countries may not meet U.S. safety standards.

Accidents can occur for any number of reasons. Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a passenger in another car, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you may be able to hold the bus company at fault. When you are injured on a Peter Pan bus, your primary remedy is a claim with its insurance company. If you can prove the company or one of its employees is at fault, you are entitled to compensation through its insurance. The insurance company has an interest in denying claims in an effort to keep its money. You need an experienced personal injury attorney to fight back.

After you seek medical attention, contact us to file your claim. If you do not do this in a timely manner your right to sue may be forfeited. You are entitled to past and future medical expenses, lost wages, future lost income, pain and suffering, and any other costs resulting from the accident.

At the law firm of Altman & Altman, we pride ourselves on accessibility. The telephones at the law office of Altman & Altman are answered 7 days a week – 24 hours a day. In addition, all emails to the firm are answered within 4 hours, often sooner.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, please contact the law firm of Altman & Altman to speak directly with one of our talented Peter Pan bus accident attorneys. All initial consultations are free of charge.