Though currently uncommon, bus accidents still do happen all around the United States and they’re results can range from minor injuries to life-altering accidents. Sadly, our borough recently experiences a horrific bus accident on October 27th 2014. 8 people were injured in an MTA bus accident in Queens. Here are a few common causes of bus accidents in the five boroughs and the United States in general:
- Defective bus parts caused by poor maintenance
- Negligent driving
- Impaired driving
- Speeding or driving well below the speed limit
- Road disrepair
- Poor weather conditions
Injuries resulting from bus accidents have been consistently decreasing but bus crashes and accidents are still occurring with some prevalence. 2008 had more than 10,000 recorded bus accidents which resulted in over 23,000 injuries.
While the numbers do indicate a steady decrease in bus accidents every year, they are by no means a non-existent problem and still result in the injuries of thousands of people in the United States, leading to millions of dollars in accumulated expenses.
Millions of people depend on bus services as their main means of transportation. Buses are one of the many forms of large scale public transportation. Other forms include, the subway, passenger vans, and school buses. On the topic of school buses, 1,368 fatalities have been reported between 2001 and 2010. This is an average of 137 deaths per year. These are students and can sometimes include young children. In addition, a number of these accidents were caused by failed safety inspections within large bus companies.
After a being caught in a bus accident, the first thing a person should do is go to the doctor or emergency room. Most people are then directed to return for additional diagnostic tests and treatment from specialists. Make sure you store the medical records and medical bills accumulated as your personal injury lawyer will need them when taking your case.
Some personal injury lawyers even specialize in bus accidents. Seeking out a well experienced lawyer is necessary to make sure you know your rights and can receive due compensation. A seasoned lawyer can also help you with the trauma of the accident and explain the liability issues involved in your case.
It is worth noting that any accident that occurs with a government owned bus can muddle liability. Your rights aren’t as protected in these accidents as it is generally more difficult to receive proper compensation from government entities than a private company. A bus accident involving a private company usually means that the driver is at fault but accidents involving government owned vehicles are complicated since they have a little protection from liability.
Another thing that complicates matters for the victims of bus accidents is that some injuries can take some time to manifest and aren’t immediately obvious right after the accident. Some injuries appear days later or can even take a few weeks before a victim feels their effects. This is not limited to physical trauma, emotional distress can also form weeks after a bus accident.
The best way to keep yourself protected and receive the verdict and payout you desire is to hire a personal injury lawyer you can trust and can represent you in court.
Personal Injury Accident Firm Of Queens 141-24 Jewel Ave Fl 2 Flushing, NY 11367 (718) 682-3480 https://injurylawyerqueensny.com/