Bus drivers and companies owe their passengers a minimum of safety between departure and destination. People seldom consider the risk of being involved in an accident while using public transit. Although bus collisions are uncommon, any vehicle can be involved in one. Bus accidents are more severe than automobile accidents because buses are larger by comparison, and passengers generally do not wear seat belts.
Some claims are time-sensitive; it’s vital to consult with a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer as soon as possible following your accident. The competent lawyers at Baratta Law, LLC will ensure that those who caused your accident are held accountable for their actions.
Common Factors and Conditions that Cause a Bus Accident
Many bus drivers are competent professionals, but many make mistakes. In a bus accident, severe personal harm is inevitable. The first step in resolving your bus accident injury claim is knowing what caused the mishap and who is responsible for the damages. Among the most common causes of bus accidents are:
- Driver Fatigue – A threat to all road users and a significant safety risk for people who drive. When drivers are sleep deprived or have been driving for numerous hours without a break, they are much more likely to be involved in a collision.
- Aggressive Behavior and Reckless Driving – Potentially dangerous behaviors that could lead to actual violence and greatly increase the probability of an accident. Exceeding the speed limit necessitates a much faster response time and can result in significantly more injuries in the event of an accident. Moreover, careless driving might result in serious legal consequences.
- Driving Under the Influence – One of the most dangerous conditions one may find himself in, driving while intoxicated puts oneself at risk and endangers passengers and individuals outside of the vehicle. Moreover, driving under the influence is subject to penalties, terms of suspension, and fines.
What to Do When Injured in a Bus Accident
If you are unfortunate to be involved in a bus accident, you must do a few things to protect your health and preserve evidence should you need to pursue a claim or lawsuit.
- Get Medical Attention – If you’ve been in a bus accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention immediately. Generally, the bus personnel will be in charge of calling for help. But if these individuals are seriously injured or killed, or if they refuse to, take immediate action yourself and dial 911.
- Document the Accident – Ensure that a police report, the photos or videos from the accident, and any information provided by eyewitnesses at the accident scene are immediately available to you.
- Avoid Communication with Insurance Companies – After a bus accident, we advise you to refuse the initial offer made by an insurance provider until we establish the extent of the damage you incurred from the accident. You may incur health expenses from injuries or develop a continuing health issue resulting from injuries sustained from the accident several months later.
Passengers, pedestrians, drivers, vehicles, and others affected by the road accident may claim. Any other party involved in the accident may be held accountable for your injuries.
Remember that buses are classified as “common carriers,” therefore bus drivers and companies are obligated to keep their buses safe for passengers. Companies must pay if they violate this obligation.
Contact a Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyer Now!
Being injured puts you in a challenging situation: you’ll most likely have to skip work, confine yourself to quarters or in a hospital, your relationships may become strained, and health care expenses will continue to pile up that you probably won’t be able to pay.
At Baratta Law, LLC, we will pursue every legal action necessary and exhaust all legal avenues available to secure justice in your interest and ensure you a worry-free recovery. Contact us today by calling 215-914-8132 or filling out the form.
