Buses fill an important role in our nation’s cities and towns, large and small. Whether you are going across the state or across the country, a bus is one of the easiest and most affordable options. We usually think of a bus as a safe option for getting from one place to another. Unfortunately, bus accidents happen from time to time. When a bus gets into a crash, passengers may receive severe and life-threatening injuries. Some bus accidents result in fatalities. If you were injured in a bus crash, you need to get legal help from an experienced Houston personal accident attorney.
What Causes Bus Accidents?
There are a variety of factors that may cause or contribute to a bus accident. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) tracks accidents, including bus crashes. There are three main categories that include human factors, mechanical failure and weather or road conditions. Some of the common factors that caused bus accidents include:
These factors are noted by police on the accident report. Police interview the drivers and witnesses to determine the cause of a crash. Many times, there are multiple factors at play in any given incident.
Bus Safety Laws
There are many types of buses that are in use across the state. These include transit, school, private, sightseeing, and charter buses. Texas laws are in place to improve the safety of buses that operate within the state. Buses must be no longer than 45 feet in length. Buses that are 35 feet or longer must have air brakes and they must also have more than two axles in the rear. All glass on the bus must be made of materials that are approved for safety. The law requires buses to have special lights and markers in various positions on the outside of the vehicle to make them more visible.
Buses must comply with the federal regulations. In general, highway safety is the responsibility of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and other government agencies.
What to do Following a Bus Accident
If you are the victim of a bus accident, you have likely gone through a harrowing experience. Some bus accidents are extremely dangerous and scary. First and foremost, seek medical attention for your injuries. Make sure that you see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that you can prove that the injuries occurred as a result of the crash. Contact a knowledgeable Houston personal injury attorney. Bus accidents can be extremely complicated and you need to make sure that you protect your rights.
You may be owed money for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We will handle negotiations with the insurance company and will work to resolve your case with the best possible results.
Contact our compassionate truck accident lawyers for a free case consultation. Call 281-893-0760!
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