by Tim O’Hare
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Buses are often considered some of the safest vehicles on the road, and yet each year, thousands of people are affected by bus accidents nationwide. In 2010, nearly 13,000 buses were involved in accidents in which 226 people were killed. Thousands more were injured.
In April, at least 40 elderly passengers were injured and two killed when the charter bus they were riding on swerved off the roadway and flipped onto its side. It was later discovered that the driver had previously been involved in a fatal accident when he ran over a pedestrian on the side of the road. While the cause of this accident is under investigation, it is just one example of an accident in which negligence may have played a role.
Negligence behind the wheel is the number one cause of bus accidents and car accidents. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration can do its part to improve safety of school, city and private buses, the driver is responsible for staying alert and protecting his or her passengers.
Some common situations that may contribute to bus crashes include:
- Sudden lane changes by other vehicles on the road
- Speeding, especially in bad weather or unsafe conditions
- Mechanic or brake failure
- Other vehicles blocking bus lanes
- Buses veering of the road to avoid a collision
- Pedestrians walking out in front of a bus
- Driver inattention
- Tired driver
- Texting or browsing the internet
Bus accidents are a complex matter, often involving commercial drivers. If you have been injured in a bus accident — whether as a passenger on the bus, or a victim who has been hit by a bus, it is important that you know your rights and work with a personal injury lawyer who will fight for you to recover all due you for your injury and losses.
The Law Office of Tim O’Hare has experience winning bus accident cases. One example is a case we settled for $2.5 million (client received $1.25 million after attorney fees, costs and medical expenses were paid) for a client who had suffered catastrophic injuries when the driver of a bus feel asleep at the wheel and plowed into him. Another example is recovering money for a client who was seriously injured when the driver of the commercial bus she was on wrecked while failing to pay attention to the road.
Victims of bus accidents can receive compensation if they have suffered bodily injury or property damage in an accident caused by the bus driver’s negligence. If you have been injured in a traffic accident involving a bus, contact the experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. We will help you receive all due compensation for your loss.
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972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020
