Much of the population in the United States still uses buses as a form of transportation. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that 241 million trips took place on charter and tour buses. Passengers expect bus drivers to be safe and experienced, however, this is not always the case. Recently, there have been catastrophic bus injuries reported by the negligence of bus companies and drivers:
- 2017 Texas bus crash that resulted in the deaths of 13 passengers
- 2017 Houston Metro Bus accident that left 2 passenger injured
- 2013 2 people killed and dozens injured in North Texas when bus driver lost control
- 2014 4 Texas softball players killed in a bus accident
- 2015 Charter bus slams into an 18 wheeler and kills 2
- 2015 1 person killed in a crash with a greyhound bus
Why do bus accidents happen?
Typically bus accidents occur because bus drivers have not received proper training, do not have adequate experience or have been negligently hired by the company. Passengers rely on bus companies to properly screen, hire and train their drivers but oftentimes this simply is not the case. Many reported injuries and deaths have occurred because of drivers texting and driving, under the influence of drug and/or alcohol or conditions such as sleep apnea.
Bus Accident Injuries
In 2009, the bus passenger fatality rate was 45 deaths per 100,000 accidents. The number of deaths and injuries due to bus accidents have peaked the interest of legislators. In 2011, Congress passed the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act to ensure that bus companies follow proper safety measures such as utilizing seat belts, harnesses and reinforced windows.
Common injuries sustained in bus accidents are:
- Neck
- Back
- Shoulder
- Knees
- Hips
- Traumatic brain injuries
Bus Accident FAQs
Does this cost me anything?
No, our law firm works on a contingency basis meaning that you do not have to pay anything unless we are able to obtain a recovery either through settlement or trial. We will also offer a free consultation to evaluate your potential case.
Will I have to go to trial?
It is unlikely that your case will go to trial since most cases are settled out of court, however, it is always a possibility.
What happens after I file the lawsuit?
After you file a lawsuit, we will engage in discovery, in which both sides exchange written questions and gather information. During this process, you may also be required to sit for a deposition, which is essentially oral questioning under the oath.
How long does this process take?
A typical bus accident case can take approximately 1-1.5 years. However, some may take longer depending on the facts of your case, the judge and how discovery progresses.