Buses are generally considered safe vehicles. After all, millions of children and commuters use this method of transportation to go to school and work. Some even use these to take long-distance trips. Scientific studies backup popular opinion; researchers have concluded that buses are involved in fewer accidents than motorcycles and cars.

Still, dozens of people suffer injuries from bus accidents yearly. When this happens, it can be difficult to determine who is liable. Without being able to assign responsibility, it is nearly impossible for the injured party to seek financial compensation for missed wages and medical bills.

Injuries From a Bus Accident

Just like in car wrecks, bus crashes can result in several types of injuries, including sprains, broken bones, bruising, whiplash, concussions, and damage to internal organs. Some of these traffic accidents can cause excessive bleeding or could be fatal.

Buses are likely to cause unique injuries because of the way the vehicles are constructed. These have a higher center of gravity than cars, which means they are more likely to roll over.

A high number of buses still do not have seat belts. Also, passengers tend to hold on to their belongings while riding, which creates a higher risk of projectiles if the ride comes to a sudden stop. Even though you are less likely to get in an accident when you are on a bus, the injuries you could sustain may be more severe than after a car crash.

Legal Issues To Consider

If you get into a bus accident, you can face legal issues that you likely will not have to deal with in a typical auto crash. Then the insurance company of the at-fault driver will likely cover the cost of your claim.

In bus accidents, things tend to get more complicated. From the numerous possible scenarios, passengers may not have proper coverage, the bus company could be immune from liability, and there may be a third party involved in the accident.

In the case of a third party, such as another car hitting the bus, you can make a claim with that driver’s insurance company. This will allow you to seek damages for lost income or any medical expenses you incur.

If the bus driver is to blame for the accident, the case could be even more complex. Some buses are run by government entities such as the local school district or transportation authority.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration asserts that buses are usually at fault in the majority of traffic accidents they become involved in. Filing a claim against the school district is often not as simple as filing a conventional insurance claim. Therefore, it is advised to have a qualified lawyer on your side to help out with the legal proceedings.

Holding the Government Liable

The rules that will apply to the bus accident case depend on the state where the accident took place and the involved municipality. If you try to hold the government liable for the accident, you must prove that the claim is against a government employee, public body, or officer who acted in the scope of their duties.

You must also provide a detailed description of the events that led to the accident to explain why the public body is responsible. Some jurisdictions will also require that you state how the government body’s failure to prevent injury indicates gross negligence. Be sure to consult local laws and procedures to find out how you should go about making your claim.

The Bottom Line

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in the Long Island area, hire a personal injury attorney in Long Island who can represent you. Working with a qualified lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve for your injuries. Another added benefit is that you will be exposed to less stress, knowing that an expert is handling legalities.

Author: 

Early in his journalism career, Kerry L. Tucker had a revelation: there were not enough experts reporting on law issues. Legal matters are part of daily life. Yet, there seems to be a general aversion towards them. One of the main reasons for this is that the convoluted legal language is difficult for many people to follow. Therefore, he decided to change how the law is perceived by the public. Throughout his career, he met with many people who shared their personal stories with him. Some of these hit him harder. One of the cases that stayed with him and influenced his future career development was a car accident case involving a child. From then on, he decided to zero in on car accident lawsuits.