Because of their size, shape, and transportation of multiple passengers, collisions involving buses often lead to more serious injuries than those involving other types of vehicles. Drivers, as well as private and public operators, are required to ensure that their passengers, motorists, and other travelers are safe from preventable harm. When bus drivers fail to adhere to proper protocols behind the wheel and cause significant injuries, the responsible parties should be held accountable with the assistance of a motor vehicle collision attorney committed to victim advocacy. Providence bus accident lawyer David Tapalian helps victims who have sustained injuries in a collision with a bus pursue appropriate legal action against the liable driver or bus company. He has represented victims for over 20 years, fighting for their rights throughout the entire course of litigation to ensure that their best interests are served. We do not get paid unless you do, so contact us to find out more about how we can assist you.
Many buses either have insufficient seatbelts to accommodate the number of riders or do not contain seatbelts at all. Additionally, many passengers may be forced to stand during peak riding hours, making serious injuries in the event of a crash more likely. Aside from the danger to riders, a collision between a bus and a car, bicycle, or pedestrian may be especially severe because of the vehicle's weight, size, and maneuverability. The bus industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which has reported that over 800,000 buses are registered in the U.S. In 2008, for example, 11,000 bus accidents injured 24,000 individuals nationwide.
A bus is designed to have an extended roof, which makes its center of gravity higher than another kind of vehicle, so it is more likely to roll over if it is involved in a collision. In these types of crashes, passengers may be injured after being thrown from their seats and colliding with another passenger, a seat, or a bus wall. Broken glass and unsecured luggage may also lead to serious injuries for riders. When a bus hits another vehicle, the other driver may also sustain catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage, broken or fractured bones, and serious brain injuries. Many of these injuries involve a long recovery time, not to mention the expenses that go with medical treatment and time away from work. A bus accident attorney can help Providence victims advocate for all of the damages that they need.
Often, a driver's negligence is involved in a bus accident. To prove negligence, it must be shown that the driver owed the victim a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act under the circumstances, and this duty was breached by the driver's actions, causing injuries and resulting in damages. Bus drivers owe their passengers, other drivers, and road users in general a duty of reasonable care. If a driver operates a vehicle while overly fatigued or speeds in order to make a destination on time, for example, they likely will be found negligent.
Bus companies may also be held liable for the negligent acts of their drivers or negligent acts on their part that result in unsafe driving conditions. For example, if a bus charter company does not regularly inspect its vehicles, and a malfunctioning part, such as faulty brakes, causes an accident, that company may be held accountable. Pursuing action against governmental agencies, such as MBTA or RIPTA, which are responsible for operating public buses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, requires specialized procedures. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney familiar with these practices is important in making sure that the proper actions are taken and victims' rights are preserved. Victims may be awarded compensation for medical expenses, lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the devastating event that a relative dies as a result of a bus accident, family members may be entitled to compensation by pursuing a wrongful death claim.
David Tapalian helps victims and families across Rhode Island and Massachusetts from offices in Providence and Seekonk. If you have been injured by a negligent bus driver or bus company, contact us online to discuss your potential case with a personal injury attorney or wrongful death lawyer. You can also reach us at (401) 552-5000 to schedule a free consultation about your legal options with a Providence bus accident attorney.