Buses are a popular mode of transportation in the United States. For decades, buses have been an affordable and reliable commuting method. They are easily accessible and safer than other vehicles, such as cars and two-wheelers. Party buses, coach buses, and tourist buses also contribute to bus traffic in Trinity.

It is undeniable that buses are an efficient mode of transportation. However, ignoring the many dangers that come with it can be harmful. Buses are large vehicles. The sheer weight and size of the vehicle make it more prone to accidents. One second of distraction or a minor error can result in catastrophic injuries for the driver, occupants, and other involved vehicles.

If a bus collision injured you or your loved one, reach out to our seasoned personal injury attorneys at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys for a free case evaluation. Bus crashes can give birth to life-altering injuries, and you should never bear the expensive costs of healthcare and damages because of someone else’s negligence. A Trinity bus accident lawyer can help you seek compensation. Do not hesitate to speak to one of our capable attorneys and discuss the specifics of your case today.

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All types of motor accident cases can be difficult to deal with. However, bus accidents can be particularly complicated because the number of potentially liable parties increases. Therefore, you may need to deal with various parties and insurance companies before even beginning the claims process.

Various complex laws surround bus accidents. The average man is not well-versed in these laws, and learning them is certainly not a child’s play. Experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable attorneys possess extensive knowledge since they have years of experience handling similar cases.

The Perenich Law Injury Attorneys team offers unique resources to help you gather the strongest evidence for your case. When you set out to pick a lawyer to handle your Trinity bus accident case, you want to look for someone who understands your case—someone willing to give their best and fight in court on your behalf so you go home with the deserved compensation.

Our attorneys understand the pain and suffering that follows a bus accident. We know how challenging it can be to battle your physical and mental health, maintain your profession, and deal with legal matters simultaneously. Therefore, we strive to handle everything on your behalf so you can focus on what is most important: your health.

Our capable Trinity bus accident attorneys can handle your case and give you peace of mind. As we guide you through it, we ensure there is transparency throughout the process. Having legal counsel by your side will make you feel more confident at every step. Not to mention, our lawyers can protect you from making costly mistakes that can weaken your case.

About Bus Accidents

Buses are generally considered a safe form of transportation. This is one of the reasons why buses transport children back and forth to school.

Buses fall under FMCSA’s jurisdiction, as they are larger than most other vehicles. The FMCSA has introduced various regulations to maintain bus safety. All bus drivers must obtain a valid commercial driver’s license before driving a bus on the Trinity roadways. Bus companies must regularly inspect all their buses to maintain them well.

Another critical part of maintaining transportation safety is drug and alcohol screening for the drivers. Buses carry many people at one time, and thus, bus drivers are responsible for the safety of many lives. Bus companies, such as Greyhound, typically conduct random tests to ensure drivers can operate a vehicle safely. Criminal background checks are equally necessary.

Nevertheless, despite these precautions, bus accidents still occur.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Trinity

Bus accidents may occur for several reasons. However, one thing that causes the most accidents is human error and negligence. Drivers often engage in negligent activities, such as using their phones, which causes physical and visual distraction. Tourists’ unfamiliarity with roads also poses a significant threat.

Here are some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Trinity and around the country.

Driver Fatigue

As with truck drivers, bus drivers also tend to drive for long hours without taking breaks. This can cause them to become extremely tired. Bus drivers often work till late at night and wake up early. Many of them do not rest all day and then do not even get 7-8 hours of sleep. This gives rise to driver fatigue.

Driver Distraction

Distraction is found in almost all drivers today, not just in bus accidents. Distraction is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. Digital gadgets like smartphones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, etc., easily divert attention from the road.

Bus Driver Error

Sometimes a driver may not be distracted or tired but simply inexperienced. Poor recruitment procedures and lack of adequate training from the bus company can result in poor drivers. The bus company should make sure that the driver is experienced and skilled enough to operate a vehicle as huge as a bus.

Intoxication

Despite the government’s efforts to warn drivers about the dangers of intoxication, there has been little progress. Typically, intoxicated drivers are overconfident in their ability to sober up or underestimate the effect of drugs or alcohol on their reaction time. Regardless of BMI laws, no driver should ever get behind the wheel after ingesting controlled substances.

Bus Mechanical Failure

The bus company is responsible for ensuring that each of their buses running on the road is well-maintained. When a bus company overlooks maintenance, accidents occur. Bad tires, engine failure, and bad brakes can cause catastrophic accidents. Regular check-ups can easily identify these issues. Sometimes there might be a manufacturing or design fault as well.


Common Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents in Trinity

Buses are no less dangerous than truck accidents. Since buses are large and heavy vehicles, the most likely to be severely injured are passengers of other cars. And when a bus hits a pedestrian or cyclist on the road, the results are life-altering. Here are some of the common injuries people sustain in a bus accident.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a common scenario in bus accidents. Passengers can hit an object due to the impact or fall from the vehicle onto the road. This can result in many fractures, from minor broken bones to conditions requiring surgery. In severe cases, broken bones can permanently hamper your life.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are also common in bus accidents, but because people cannot see them from the outside, they may ignore them. Unlike visible injuries, internal injuries require a medical diagnosis. A large force hitting the human body can negatively impact the internal organs, such as kidneys, liver, lungs, etc.

Head and Spinal Cord Injuries

Head and spinal cord injuries occur in severe cases of accidents. The accident’s impact can cause someone’s head to hit the seat or steering wheel with force, causing injuries. Sudden forces can cause TBI, spinal cord injuries, and whiplash.

Lacerations and Cuts

The collision of two or more vehicles can result in a lot of debris. Broken and shattered glass, metal, and other debris flying during the crash can contact your skin and cause injuries. Pieces of glass can even injure your eyes and cause eye injuries. This type of injury can cause lifelong scarring and disfigurement.

Steps to Take Following a Trinity Bus Accident

Whether you are the driver, passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, the aftermath of an accident is confusing. You may be suffering pain from your injuries, enraged at the other driver for not being careful, and worrying about future expenses. If you are unsure about what to do following a bus accident, the following steps can help you.

Stay at the Accident Site and Call for Help

Following a Trinity bus accident, never leave the site before law enforcement arrives. Stay at the accident site and call 911. If you are injured and unable to do so, you may ask other people to do it for you. After you have informed the police, you should render medical aid as soon as possible. If you do not need emergency medical aid, try to help other people who might need assistance.

Gather Evidence

While the work of gathering evidence should be left to your lawyer, you can do your part as well. As more time passes, the traces of evidence keep fading. The other party may even hide or remove evidence from the scene if you are too late. Therefore, if you can, collect what evidence you can as soon as the accident occurs.

The first step is taking pictures. Take out your smartphone and click as many photos as you can. Try to photograph the scene and the nearby area from different angles to avoid missing anything. Document the weather by photographing the sky and road surface. The next step is to exchange information with the other party. Ask for their names, contact numbers, and addresses so your committed bus accident lawyer in Trinity can reach them later. While exchanging information, keep the conversation minimal. One wrong word can weaken your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention after a bus accident is crucial, no matter how minor your injuries may be. You should go to the doctor if there are physical injuries. However, even if you do not have visible injuries, you should still go for a check-up. Some internal injuries often take time to show symptoms, and your condition may worsen.

Keep Detailed Records

To receive the total compensation you deserve, you need to keep detailed records of your damages. Ensure you do not throw away any receipts, bills, or other documents. Some of the most crucial ones are medical documentation. Keep records of your financial damage, including doctor’s appointments, travel expenses, physical or mental therapy sessions, vehicle repair costs, etc.

Call Your Attorney

Seeking compensation after a bus accident involves complex laws, multiple liable parties, and confusing interactions with your insurance company and law enforcement. You will also likely face opposition from the bus company if you hold them accountable for their negligence. Bus companies are powerful parties with connections, making fighting them more difficult. An experienced Trinity bus crash lawyer can use their skills, experience, and knowledge to fight these battles on your behalf, giving you the greatest chance of recovering compensation.

Damages You Can Receive after a Bus Accident

There are various types of damages in a bus accident. However, the amount you get will depend on how much damage applies to your case. Working with a qualified attorney can help you recover the maximum compensation.

Here is a list of some common damages recovered in Trinity bus accidents:

  • Medical treatment expenses.
  • Lost wages if the accident causes them to lose work.
  • Loss of future earning capacity in case the injuries are permanent.
  • Property damage, such as car repair.
  • Emotional distress.
  • Pain and suffering.

FAQs

If I am injured in a bus accident, who can I sue?

There are many parties you can sue in a bus accident. Many parties may be responsible for the accident, including the bus driver, the bus company, other vehicles involved in the collision, the manufacturer, or the owner of the roadways.

What if I am a passenger on the bus?

Passengers on a bus have special advantages that other people do not. As a bus passenger, you deserve the utmost care from the driver and the bus company. It was their duty to make sure you were safe. Therefore, you can sue them.

How long do I have to bring a lawsuit?

The Statute of Limitations for bus accidents in Trinity is two years from the collision date.

Enlist the Help of a Trinity Bus Accident Attorney

If a bus accident injured you or your loved one, you need justice. Never bear the expensive healthcare and vehicle repair costs because of another party’s negligence. The law allows you to take steps to obtain compensation from the liable party. However, doing this can be a lengthy and complex process. Moreover, inexperience in law makes you prone to mistakes that can cause delay or even rejection of your claim. Here is where the Perenich Law family comes for help.

Our attorneys have years of experience in handling bus accident cases. We have assisted many clients and obtained millions of dollars of compensation. If you are confused after your accident, allow us to offer our services to help you. Contact us today to speak with a Trinity bus accident lawyer.

Perenich Law injury Attorneys

Perenich Law injury Attorneys N/a
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