Hundreds of thousands of individuals use buses and other public transportation to travel across cities and states, especially in heavily populated urban areas. Buses can provide preferable alternatives to private vehicles, but they can also pose unique hazards on the road. With a massive turn radius, delayed stopping times, and frequent stops, buses can cause serious injuries in the event of an accident.
Drivers who are hired to operate public transportation or school buses must hold a special license and follow certain guidelines. Rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also set restrictions on the number of hours a driver can work, how many passengers are allowed on board, what training is required, and other guidelines. If a driver acts negligently or ignores these rules, the consequences could lead to severe harm or even death for passengers or other drivers. An Alice bus accident lawyer could help you get into a good legal position.
How Do Bus Crashes Happen?
Bus accidents may be caused by factors such as:
- Distracted driving or texting behind the wheel
- Failure to maintain the bus or equipment on board
- Improperly trained or licensed drivers
- Hiring drivers with a poor traffic record
- Fatigued drivers
Factors such as an overloaded weight limit can also increase the resulting damage from an incident. Texas law prohibits drivers from any cell phone use at the wheel, and an accident caused through distraction from a mobile device is grounds for a claim of negligence.
In the event of a bus accident in Alice, the heavy weight of the bus can easily cause substantial damage to other vehicles. Passengers are not secured with seatbelts, and some may be standing, causing an increased risk of serious injuries, especially if a bus should tip over.
Those harmed in bus accidents can face injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones and severe burns. Victims could lose wages through an inability to work or face massive medical bills. If negligence on the part of the bus company or driver led to the incident, they may be liable for the resulting financial burdens.
Seek an Experienced Alice Bus Accident Attorney
If you have been struck by a bus while driving or injured while riding on one, you may be able to seek out compensation for your losses. The Gutierrez Law Firm has offered reliable legal guidance to hundreds of vehicle accident victims across Texas. An Alice bus accident lawyer can review the details of your incident with you, advise you on what options are available, and guide you through every step of the process ahead. Call us now.
