Bus Accident Lawyers

Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Northern Virginia

Bus accidents are often tragedies involving many victims, with injuries that can range from minor to fatal. Bus accident lawsuits are much more complex than a typical auto accident lawsuit. Not only are there multiple injured parties, but there are usually multiple responsible parties as well. Government entities, such as public schools or transportation departments may be involved as well, meaning that different procedures and different time limits may apply.

Bus accident causes

Poor safety conditions are often at the heart of bus accidents. Employers have a responsibility to properly screen their drivers, and to make sure that they have adequate training and experience, but many fail to do so. Unreasonable schedules and delays caused by traffic or weather conditions often mean that bus drivers drive recklessly or too fast. Lax screening and enforcement of drug and alcohol policies may also be involved. Some buses crash due to poor maintenance. Factors which may cause or contribute to a bus accident include:

• Driver negligence
• Intoxicated driver
• Driver lacking training and/or experience
• Weather conditions
• Faulty vehicles
• Defective roadways
• Blind spots

Bus accident victims

Pedestrians, people getting on and off the bus, and occupants of other vehicles are at the highest risk of injury and death. About 80% of children killed in school bus accidents are injured while boarding and exiting. A bus accident can result in one person or many people being injured or killed. Bus accident victims may include:

• Bus passengers
• Drivers and passengers of other vehicles
• Pedestrians and by-standers
• Bus drivers

Types of buses

Different laws and procedures apply to different types of buses. The type of bus which was involved in your accident can play a large role in determining who is responsible, which laws apply, the time limits you must adhere to in pursuing your case, and the procedures which will be involved. Common types of buses include:

• Buses used for public transportation in cities
• Buses used for interstate travel
• School buses
• Chartered buses

Responsible parties

Government entities are usually, but not always, among the responsible parties. Lawsuits against government entities involve very strict time limits and rules for notification. There is no room for error when dealing with these kinds of lawsuits. You may also be fighting individuals, corporations, and multiple insurance companies. Responsible parties may include:

• Local governments
• Mass transit systems
• School districts
• Bus companies
• Bus drivers
• Other drivers
• City, county, and state agencies responsible for maintaining roads

Bus drivers and their employers are legally bound to a greater standard of care than drivers of passenger vehicles. Negligence and wrongdoing on the part of bus drivers and their employers is not taken lightly by the courts, but bus companies, government entities, and insurance companies have the resources to put up a hard fight, and since there are often many injured parties, they have a lot to lose.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington DC, please email or call our committed bus accident lawyers today. We are focused on obtaining justice for you - the victim.

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