Bus transportation is becoming more common because it is easy, economical, and convenient. Bus passengers do not need to fight their way through crowded roads. They can sit back, relax, and even close their eyes while commuting to work or school. Unfortunately, buses occasionally crash or collide with other vehicles. These accidents can cause massive destruction to cars and debilitating injuries to bus passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and people on the ground.
You might benefit from speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney if a common carrier crash harmed you or your loved one. A McAllen bus accident lawyer could help you determine whether you should proceed with a personal injury suit.
Common Causes of Commercial Carrier Crashes
Buses crash for a variety of reasons, some of the most frequent include:
Bus Driver Errors
As with most other types of vehicle collisions, the majority of bus accidents occur because of driver error. Common driver errors leading to bus wrecks include the following:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Illegal passing
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Reckless lane changes
- Driving while drunk or on drugs
- Failure to adjust to weather changes
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep behind the wheel
- Inexperience due to lack of training on how to handle a large vehicle
Simple driving mistakes can be catastrophic when they occur behind the wheel of a massive bus.
Non-Driver Related Causes
Collisions also occur that are outside the bus driver’s control. Unsafe equipment due to faulty parts or lack of maintenance can also play a role in a crash. Bad weather and poor road conditions may also contribute to bus wrecks.
A dedicated legal team could investigate the crash to learn why it occurred. The lawyers could review the police accident reports and any medical records. They could also look through traffic camera photographs and videos and interview eyewitnesses to learn what they observed. If necessary, diligent McAllen bus crash attorneys could work with accident reconstruction experts to better understand what led to the collision.
Who is Legally at Fault for a McAllen Bus Wreck?
Although bus drivers cause most accidents, more than one party is sometimes legally responsible. The bus company could be responsible for their drivers’ mistakes in many situations. For instance, if the driver is at fault for negligently causing a collision, the bus company could also be responsible because they employ the driver.
The bus company could also be liable if they:
- Hired unqualified drivers with suspect driving records and failed to train their drivers how to properly handle a bus
- Had a formal or even unwritten policy of encouraging their drivers to disregard driving time limits in the interest of meeting strict timetables
- Did not regularly inspect or maintain their buses
The mechanic who failed to make a needed repair or the bus manufacturer who created a faulty product could also be legally to blame.
An aggressive team of McAllen lawyers could identify the parties who played a contributing role in the bus accident and work tirelessly to build a solid legal claim.
Call a McAllen Bus Accident Attorney Now
Bringing a legal claim against a large bus company can seem frightening. You might feel that the bus company has unlimited resources. Working with the right legal team is critical. A skilled McAllen bus accident lawyer is not afraid to stand up and fight back on your behalf.
Call today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our capable attorneys.