What to Know About Bus Accidents
Public Transportation Pros and Cons
Bus transportation is a cost-effective way to travel, especially with rising gas prices and the hassle of navigating congested highways.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), “Nationwide, more than 700 million passengers – nearly the entire population of Europe – are transported by buses annually. Most travel to and from their destinations safely. Yet despite the strong safety record of buses…there are approximately 250 people killed and 20,000 injured in bus-related crashes each year. This includes victims that are often in other vehicles, or are pedestrians and bicyclists.”
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Sadly, the Hudson Valley has seen its share of bus accidents. The most recent is the tour bus crash on the New York Thruway where 50 people, leaving from Dutchess County, were injured in a roll over.
Injuries from this type of accident can range from cervical and lumbar injuries, to knee and shoulder injuries. These injuries occur because the passengers are often violently thrown around and twisted as a result of the impact.
What to Do if You’ve Been in a Bus Accident
In addition, a bus accident can have more severe consequences than a car accident as there are usually more victims, no airbags and no seatbelts.If you are involved in a bus accident, it is important to get immediate medical treatment. It is also important to get the right legal counsel – a firm experienced in bus accidents is critical as there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration.
Is the bus privately owned? Or is the bus owned by a municipality? If a municipal bus, there are special notice requirements and shortened time periods in which to file a claim, or you could lose your right to sue. Also, buses often have unique insurance that is more complex than automobile insurance.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Whenever you use bus transportation, you are entrusting your safety to the bus driver and the owner of the bus. If they fail you, an experienced bus accident law firm can assist you with seeking the monetary damages you deserve.
At Denlea & Carton, we know the devastation that serious accidents can have on people and their families. For over 35 years, we have been representing individuals hurt or killed in accidents caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you were injured or lost a loved one recently, contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free consultation.
