People in and around Cleveland rely on public transportation every day. Commuters use transit buses to get to and from work, travelers use motor coaches to get to various destinations around the state, and children rely on school buses every day to get to school and home again. Because bus travel is generally a reliable form of transportation, passengers often take their safety for granted.
If you are recuperating from injuries sustained in an incident like this, you may be eligible to pursue damages in a personal injury lawsuit from the person responsible for causing your bus collision. A dedicated Cleveland bus accident lawyer can meet with you to review what legal options are available to you.
What Could Cause a Bus Crash?
Many bus crashes in Cleveland can be attributed to driver negligence. Like other motorists, bus drivers are expected to obey all traffic laws. Incidents often occur when bus drivers make careless or reckless mistakes such as speeding, driving distractedly, tailgating, failing to yield, or even driving while intoxicated.
Other bus accidents occur due to mechanical failures, such as an underlying manufacturing defect or a defective part. Bad weather or other road conditions could also cause a bus driver to lose control of their vehicle. A skilled attorney can work tirelessly to pinpoint the precise cause of a bus crash by examining the following pieces of evidence:
- Police reports
- Accident scene photographs
- Traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
If pertinent to the case, a lawyer may use the proper procedural channels to subpoena and obtain the bus driver’s medical records to determine whether their blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit at the time of the accident. Contacting legal counsel immediately after a bus collision allows legal representatives to collect evidence to bolster your claim for compensation before it is too late.
Common Injuries in Local Bus Crashes
Accidents involving public transit vehicles can cause debilitating and life-changing injuries to passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and even pedestrians.
Injuries to Bus Passengers
Most forms of public transportation do not have seatbelts, so passengers are not very well-protected. Passengers could be thrown from their seats in the event of a serious crash. Unsecured objects such as suitcases, briefcases, and backpacks may also come loose and strike passengers. When this happens, bus passengers may suffer the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal injuries
Injuries to Non-Passengers
Pedestrians often suffer the most harm in bus crashes due to the large size and heavy weight of most public transit vehicles. Even relatively small buses can crush cars, causing severe injuries to a vehicle’s occupants. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists have little to shield them from the impact of a bus.
In addition to physical injuries, many bus accident survivors face debilitating emotional losses. A diligent Cleveland attorney can take all a survivor’s losses into account when pursuing compensation in a bus crash lawsuit.
Many of these incidents result in fatalities. In the unfortunate event of a loved one’s death, a compassionate bus collision lawyer can help surviving family members pursue justice for their loss in a wrongful death claim.
A Cleveland Bus Accident Attorney Could Assist You Today
Litigating bus crash cases often requires a detailed understanding of complex local, state, and federal laws and regulations. It is therefore critical to work with the right legal team. A Cleveland bus accident lawyer can stand by your side and fight aggressively to protect your rights to receive compensation for all your losses. Reach out to our dedicated team to learn about your options today.
