Virginia Bus Accidents
Americans depend on buses to provide safe, affordable transportation. Whether it is your child’s school bus, public transit or a private tour bus, you hand over trust and security to the driver when you step on board. Buses are very large vehicles, and therefore operate at slower speeds. Yet even with slow speeds, professional drivers and proper vehicle maintenance, serious and tragic accidents still happen.
The following statistics on bus accidents were reported in the 2011 Virginia Crash Facts summary:
- 513 total crashes
- 375 total passengers were injured
- 50 injuries sustained by the bus driver
- 4 passenger deaths, and 0 driver deaths
Although the numbers are lower than vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, bus accidents are just as serious, if not more, than any other type of automobile crash. A bus carries a large number of passengers, and takes up a greater amount of space on the roadways. Accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities to passengers, but also anyone that happens to be nearby the site of the crash.
When an accident involving a bus occurs, there are complexities as to who is at fault. It may be the bus driver, the driver of another vehicle, the bus company or even the government. Private bus lines and public/government-operated transit each have their own guidelines for operation and procedures for handling bus safety and accidents. Businesses have the liberty to place regulations and time restrictions on claims filed against their company or agency.
Cooperation and involvement of all responsible parties and awareness of time restrictions are critical to uncovering the intricacies of a
bus accident. This is why it is highly recommended to consult a personal injury attorney at Emroch & Kilduff to sort out the details. Emroch & Kilduff can act as a liaison, and will communicate with the bus company and insurance agency on behalf of the injured party. An attorney can also help you to understand which regulations specifically apply to the accident, and how to work with the bus company or government agency to receive appropriate compensation for damages. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a bus accident, please contact Emroch & Kiduff, an experienced personal injury law firm.
