Whether you use it to commute between cities or to move around town, the bus service is a wonderful alternative form of transportation. Even if you have a car, taking the bus means you avoid the hassle of finding parking once you reach your destination. Unfortunately, these vehicles pose a serious risk of injury to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users if drivers fail to operate them safely.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a public transportation crash, a Suwanee bus accident lawyer can help you seek financial compensation. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys understands the disruption that an accident can cause. We are here to provide advice and guidance throughout the claims process so you can focus on your recovery.
Common Causes of Bus Crashes
The purpose of buses is to carry a large number of passengers. As a result, they are significantly heavier and longer than standard cars or trucks, which usually can only carry two to five people. Due to their large size, buses are much harder to control while in motion and during turns. As such, bus drivers must have more skill and awareness to operate their vehicles safely and avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Many of the common causes of bus crashes are similar to those of standard passenger cars, which can include:
- Distractions
- Speeding and other traffic rule violations
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Fatigue
- Adverse weather conditions
- Faulty mechanics and poor maintenance
Inexperience and a lack of proper training are also potential causes that are unique to bus operators.
Regardless of the cause, the immense size and weight difference between a bus and a car or a pedestrian often results in devastating damage. Buses also tend to lack certain safety features, such as seat belts, which increases the passengers’ risk of sustaining serious injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bus collision in Suwanee, an experienced attorney could help you file a claim to recover compensation.
Who May Be Liable?
As with all personal injury cases, the key is to determine which party was responsible for the accident. In public transport collisions, there are often several parties that could be liable.
For instance, the bus driver could be responsible because they had direct control over the vehicle at the time of the crash. However, the driver’s employer, whether a government agency such as Gwinnett County Transit or a private company, may share some liability for the harm caused by their employee’s actions.
Alternatively, the bus operator could have been following all the rules, but another driver struck the bus because they ran a red light. In this case, liability lies with the other driver. A skilled lawyer can help you determine which party was responsible for a public transportation crash in Suwanee.
Consult an Attorney After a Bus Wreck in Suwanee
If you have sustained injuries as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver in a collision with a public vehicle, a Suwanee bus accident lawyer could help you file a claim against the parties responsible. A successful claim could cover the costs of your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, we defend what matters, and our team will support you through settlement negotiations and the courtroom. Contact us today for a free initial case co87nsultation.