Many Americans use buses as a safe and efficient method of transportation. While bus crashes are not nearly as common as regular vehicle collisions, they unfortunately still occur. Bus accidents can be traumatic and leave passengers with severe injuries and property damage. Nearby drivers and those outside the vehicle may also be susceptible to harm in the event of a bus collision.
When crashes happen because of a negligent bus driver or third party, a dedicated attorney can help you hold them legally responsible for damages. If you need help with your claim, call a Bangor bus accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
While bus accidents are less common than other kinds of vehicle crashes, the potential for severe injuries remains. This is largely due to their size and the lack of safety equipment on board. Some of the most common injuries possible in a bus accident include:
- Severe head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Chest and internal organ damage
- Broken limbs and traumatic amputations
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash
A Bangor bus accident attorney can investigate the cause of a collision and help an injured party pursue damages for their avoidable harm.
The Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents may occur for several reasons, and there may be more than one liable party named. Some of the most common reasons why bus crashes happen include:
Driving with Distractions
Driving with distractions is hazardous for the driver and everyone else on the surrounding roadways. If a bus driver operates their vehicle with distractions, they put the passengers and those driving around them in danger.
Reckless Driving or Speeding
If a bus operator is speeding or driving recklessly, they risk losing control of the massive vehicle and causing a crash. Additionally, a bus could crash due to another motorist’s careless driving. The court could hold anyone that fails to follow traffic regulations accountable for the accident.
Bus Driver Error
Bus drivers undergo extensive training before they can begin carrying passengers. One simple error could lead to severe or even fatal injuries.
Determining the Liable Party After a Bus Collision
An investigation could help determine the liable parties following a bus accident. An error by the driver might have caused the crash, or the transportation company could be responsible if the vehicle did not receive proper maintenance. Bus accident cases commonly have more than one defendant, such as the driver and the transportation company that employs them. If applicable, a Bangor attorney can help an injured party hold both the negligent bus driver and their employer responsible for damages.
The Comparative Negligence Rule
After a bus crash, it is not uncommon for a claim for damages to list more than one liable party. There are also cases where the court may find that the plaintiff shares a portion of fault. According to the Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 § 156, a claimant’s partial liability for an accident does not bar them from damage recovery unless they are more than 49 percent at fault.
Instead, the court may deduct the portion of responsibility the plaintiff or other third parties share from the total award amount. For example, if the court awards $100,000 and finds the claimant is 10 percent liable, the total amount of damages they will collect is $90,000. A bus accident attorney in Bangor can answer questions on the comparative fault rule and other civil statutes.
Call a Seasoned Bangor Bus Accident Attorney Today
If you sustained injuries in a bus crash, whether as a passenger or third party outside the bus, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. Because bus accident lawsuits require a thorough investigation and evidence review to determine the liable party, such cases may be complex to pursue without seasoned legal guidance.
An experienced Bangor bus accident lawyer can help you navigate the challenging civil court process and collect compensation for damages. Call Gideon Asen LLC today to schedule a consultation.
