Champaign Bus Accident Lawyer
Buses are a major form of public transportation across Illinois and in Champaign-Urbana. School buses, city buses, and buses that traverse the state all take thousands of passengers where they need to go in Illinois every year. When a person takes a bus, they expect that the driver will transport them safely to their destination; however, bus accidents occur more often than people realize and risk injuring many people. In central Illinois, victims of bus accidents go to Patel Law, P.C. in Champaign for the best in legal representation for their case. To speak with an experienced and aggressive Champaign bus accident lawyer, call the office or contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can happen for many different reasons, but most are caused by the large vehicle’s weight and gravity combined with negligent or reckless actions. The average bus weighs between 11 and 14 tons and has varying centers of gravity. One of the most common causes of bus accidents is a tire blowout from either being overloaded or from poor maintenance.
Another common cause of bus accidents is a lack of understanding about the vehicle’s stopping distance. Due to the significant weight and force of a bus, it takes longer for the vehicle to stop. This effect is amplified further if the bus has many passengers or luggage on board. A bus driver with a lack of training may not understand how long it takes a bus to come to a stop and cause an accident.
Finally, rollover accidents also contribute to a number of bus crashes every year. The design and construction of most buses make them top-heavy and prone to rollover accidents. If loaded improperly or if the bus lacks a proper weight distribution it can cause the vehicle to roll over with passengers inside.
Who is Liable in a Bus Accident?
Depending on the specifics of your case, there are many parties that might ultimately be liable in a bus accident. If the accident occurred because of negligent or reckless actions on the part of the bus driver, both the driver and the bus company may be liable for damages caused by the accident. This is especially the case if it is discovered that the driver was not qualified or if the bus company knew that the driver had a history of poor decision making behind the wheel.
If the bus accident occurred due to a malfunction or defect in the vehicle, the bus company or the manufacturer of the vehicle may be liable for accident injuries. If the accident occurred because of a lack of equipment maintenance, the bus company might be held at fault for the accident, and if the crash occurred because of a defect in the manufacturing or design of a bus component, the manufacturer may be held responsible for injuries.
Finally, if a bus accident is caused by another driver on the road, the driver of that vehicle may be held responsible for damages along with the bus driver, depending on the specific details of the accident. Regardless of what parties are at fault, you need an experienced bus accident attorney representing your case to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Injuries from Bus Accidents can be Devastating
Bus accident injuries can be catastrophic to victims for many reasons. First, most buses including school buses and city buses lack any type of safety restraint for passengers. When an accident occurs there is nothing to keep passengers from being flung about inside of the bus or thrown from the bus through a shattered window or windshield. Second, given the size and weight of a bus, the impact of an accident can cause even more serious injuries than a standard size vehicle. Some of the most common injuries cited after bus accidents include the following:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Facial trauma
- Compound bone fractures
- Crushing injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Amputated limbs
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced bus accident attorney about your case to preserve your claims.
Talk to a Bus Accident Lawyer Now
Bus accidents can be complex cases that involve multiple parties at fault and many victims. It is important that you have an expert in bus accident claims protecting your right to compensation after a crash. Call or contact Patel Law, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Champaign bus accident lawyer.
