Bus Accident Lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama
One of the safest ways to travel is through bus transportation. But due to the vehicle’s large size, bus accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries. Bus collisions are especially catastrophic as many passengers on the bus may be injured or worse, all at once, in a crash. A rollover bus accident can decimate the vehicle and cause serious injuries to the passengers trapped inside.
In a bus crash, common damages include injuries or fatalities from being ejected from the vehicle, fractured bones, and bruises from being thrashed around within the vehicle, and a potential loss of income due to injuries and consequent healing time. Medical costs may include extensive physical therapy, psychological treatment, and in-home care.
Bus travel is strictly regulated in Alabama. However, collisions still happen. In general, highway travel is safe, but there may be problems when a driver is inexperienced, distracted, drunk, fatigued, or speeding. Inclement weather may also pose a problem, particularly when roads are icy or wet.
At Burge & Burge, we offer client-driven and committed service to each and every case we handle. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bus accident, call our experienced lawyers immediately to make sure that you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our bus accident attorneys thoroughly understand federal and state laws related to bus transportation and commercial carrier protocol.
Bus Crashes in Birmingham, AL
When operating a bus, drivers have a great responsibility. They need to be on schedule, ensure bus passengers behave, and safely operate a large vehicle. If they are distracted or act recklessly, there can be grave consequences. Bus drivers can certainly prevent accidents by being alert. Not every bus collision occurs due to the driver’s fault. There are some aspects that drivers can control and others that they cannot.
Potential Reasons for Bus Accidents in Alabama
Inattentive Driver
Regardless of the vehicle that the driver is operating, any distraction can cause an accident. Distracted driving accidents can occur due to a careless driver who keeps checking their mobile, but other conditions such as a crowded, full, loud bus could affect the driver’s focus as well.
Adverse Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads or those with big potholes can cause a large bus to spin out of control.
Weight Distribution
Buses have a specific carrying capacity. Loading the bus beyond this limit can make the driver lose control of the vehicle.
Overcrowded Area
Some busy areas may have small streets filled with parked vehicles, making it hard for a driver to operate a large bus without colliding with anything.
Mechanical Failure
Bus companies are responsible for checking their vehicles to ensure they are safe to be on the road. In the absence of a professional inspection, the bus could have problems with the steering systems, engine, or brakes.
In such situations, someone likely neglected safety protocols. Our Alabama bus crash attorneys will thoroughly assess your case to determine the accident’s cause and make sure that the guilty parties are held accountable for their actions.
Alabama Bus Accident Injuries can be Catastrophic
Buses don’t have the safety features of a car like seatbelts or airbags. Since buses are larger, there’s an increased risk of rollovers, which can cause devastating injuries. The medical costs of recovering from a bus accident may be more than most can afford. Your bus accident lawyer will help you get compensation to cover your past medical costs and future medical costs.
Some injuries that can occur due to a bus accident are as follows:
Head Injuries
Victims of bus accidents may experience concussions if they hit their heads during the incident, leading to headaches, problems with balance, confusion, and even mild depression.
Whiplash
Whiplash can occur due to a sudden change in neck movement during an accident. The symptoms of this condition include headaches, a stiff neck, problems sleeping, and dizziness.
Fractured Bones
People involved in a bus accident may experience a fractured leg or arm. Multiple broken bones and even spinal injuries may result from public transportation accidents. If you have been injured or have lost someone you love in a bus crash, you can obtain your rightful damages. The attorneys at Burge & Burge in Birmingham, AL will assist you with your claim.
The Responsibilities of a Bus Operator and Bus Company
Determining who is at fault for a bus accident can be challenging. However, an official determination is vital as it is the only way you will be able to seek damages for your losses and injuries. The bus driver or bus company or both may be at fault for a bus wreck, depending on the situation.
In order to promote safety, the federal government regulates bus companies and bus drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the agency that governs bus operators throughout the United States. Various regulations involve driver health, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service.
Regarding vehicle maintenance, bus drivers need to ensure that the vehicle is safe by routinely checking lighting, tire pressure, and other aspects of passenger safety.
In relation to driver health, bus drivers must have good vision and hearing. They should also not have any conditions that place limitations on the control of their legs or arms. Moreover, bus drivers are prevented from being behind the wheel for too long by the hours of service rule. A person is more likely to experience distractions or fatigue when driving for a long time.
If a bus company or bus driver does not abide by any government regulations, they can likely be held liable for a wreck. Additionally, the company can be held responsible if they engaged a driver who was unprepared and inexperienced to assume the responsibility of transporting passengers in a vehicle as immense as a bus.
Consult a Seasoned Alabama Bus Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for your losses. For strong legal counsel, contact Burge & Burge in Birmingham, Alabama today.
Our bus crash lawyers have the experience, knowledge, resources, and courtroom track record required to make sure that you or your loved one receives the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 205-251-9000 for a free, no-obligation consultation with our attorneys.