Bus accidents are a serious source of injury in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 9,000 accidents result in 12,000 injuries and 330 fatalities each year. Unfortunately, those numbers have risen steadily over the past several years.
If you or a loved one was injured in such an accident, a Washington DC bus accident lawyer can assist you in filing a claim against the responsible party. We also handle other kinds of auto accident claims in DC. En Español.
Although more buses are added to our roads each year, they can lack certain safety features, such as high backs and seat belts. There have been numerous attempts by trial lawyers and consumer groups to remedy this, especially where school buses are concerned. Unfortunately, these attempts have been met with limited success. This makes it all the more important that bus companies hire well-qualified individuals with clean records, train them to adhere strictly to safety standards, and monitor their drivers and equipment to ensure that all avoidable risks are prevented. In the case of a bus accident due to mechanical failure, your DC bus accident lawyer can conduct an investigation that audits the bus company’s maintenance logs to determine if all mechanical maintenance was performed properly and on schedule. If not, you may be able to file a successful claim by citing the company’s negligence to properly maintain their equipment.
Buses fall under the transportation category of “common carriers.” This means that the drivers — and the companies they work for – must provide greater protection for passengers than if they were riding in ordinary cars. Bus drivers, for instance, need to receive and maintain a special professional license. Their vehicles must also receive the proper maintenance by mechanics who understand how the vehicles operate, and how to keep them in good condition.
If any of these things are not done properly, there is a risk of injury to passengers. Since bus companies may be run by the government or by private carriers, experienced lawyers understand how to approach each type of claim, as well as what makes a successful case. Since bus companies bear more responsibility for keeping passengers safe, they may also be more liable when they fail to uphold that duty.
In addition to unsatisfactory safety standards, drowsy bus drivers, negligent bus maintenance crews, and other factors all contribute to bus accidents. If someone you know was hurt in a bus crash, it can be difficult to prove exactly who is at fault.
A DC bus accident lawyer is a dedicated individual with years of experience in handling these types of cases. He or she knows precisely what elements of fault need to be shown, and how to demonstrate this. Whether your case requires negotiations or a jury trial, the lawyer you choose should have a long record of success in getting results for clients.
