Injured in a Bus Accident in Los Angeles? Contact Us Today
How To File A Bus Accident Claim?
You can hire a Los Angeles bus crash lawyer if you have been hurt due to the carelessness of a bus driver. It is a convenient way to get around because buses can carry several people at one time. There are many things that can cause a bus to crash and they are often caused because of multiple reasons, similar car accidents mistakes. However, they are often more serious because of their large size and weight.
The average bus weighs 42,000 pounds when it is fully loaded. However, the average car only weighs about 3,000 pounds. When a bus collides with a car, the results are often tragic.
It can be difficult to determine the cause of a bus accident, which is why it is important for you to contact an attorney if you were impacted with life-threatening injuries. There are many things that can contribute to an accident.
Negligence Of The Bus Company
Bus company negligence is one of the top causes of collisions between public transportation vehicles and smaller vehicles. Many people seek legal representation so that they can sue the bus company. The bus industry transports 700 million people each year–this is comparable to the number of people who are transported by plane.
However, buses do not have to adhere to the same inspection and recordkeeping protocols. Many bus companies do not pay attention to the federal regulations. This includes maintaining the fleet and giving the drivers the proper training. Bus companies deliberately neglect the regulations and put the public in danger.
Negligence Of The Bus Driver
People may also hire a Los Angeles personal injury attorney so that they can sue the bus driver. There are several laws that bus drivers have to abide by. However, bus drivers often disregard the laws that have been put in place.
For example, bus drivers are required to log their hours. There are also laws that state how long a bus driver is allowed to be on the road and how long they are required to rest. Additionally, there are laws that regulate turning, speeding and passing.
There are many other ways that bus drivers can act in a negligent manner. They may talk on the phone or text while they are supposed to focus on driving. In some cases, poor training is the reason that the accident occurred.
At Grey Law we will hold the bus company responsible for the driver’s negligence. The reason that the company is held responsible is because they are the ones who hired the driver.
Bus Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is an example of negligence. Fatigue and sleep apnea-induced fatigue are two of the top causes of bus accidents. Bus drivers who have sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to get into a crash. Sleep apnea often causes a driver to experience fatigue.
According to the American Trucking Industry, 28 percent of the drivers have sleep apnea. Only 4 percent of the general population suffers from this condition. Bus drivers and truck drivers have similar jobs, which is why experts believe that the numbers are similar for bus drivers.
Bad Weather
Bus accidents can be caused by bad weather, but this is rare. Inclement weather makes it harder for the driver to operate the bus. However, bus drivers are supposed to receive training that shows them how to operate the bus in various types of weather.
Blind Spots
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a blind spot is an area that you are unable to see with the unaided eye. Mirrors are designed to eliminate the blind spots. However, a driver can argue that an area is only a blind spot if it cannot be seen with the unaided eye or properly adjusted equipment.
Left-Turns
Many bus accidents occur when the bus driver is trying to turn left. Bus drivers are supposed to lean backwards and forwards so that blind spots can be eliminated. However, a bus driver may not be able to learn backwards and forwards because of the weight and height requirements.
This is another way that the bus company is negligent. They can argue that the bus company should have never hired the driver. They can also say that the driver may not have had the proper training.
Another Driver
The bus driver may not be at fault for the accident. Another negligent driver may have caused it. There are many drivers on the road, so it is possible that another driver was negligent. Many people drive while they are distracted. They may also fail to obey the traffic laws.
Bus Fires
Bus fires can be extremely dangerous. If a passenger is at the back of the bus, then they may not be able to escape. They may get sick from the fumes before they are able to get off of the bus.
Bus fires typically occur in one of two places. Sixty percent of bus fires start in the engine compartment. However, these fires can usually be prevented with regular maintenance. Engines create the perfect environment for fires because they are covered in oil and grease.
The tires and wheel wells are another place that a fire can occur. This is often caused by underinflated tires. Heat can quickly build up when the tire pressure is low.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a passenger in another vehicle or on the bus, a bike rider, pedestrian or another driver. You may be able to file a claim. Contact a trusted injury attorney in Los Angeles for more information.