Public transportation is a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly form of transportation for many Americans. Commuters riding a city bus to work, children aboard school buses, and other bus riders often assume that riding a bus is a safer alternative than other forms of transportation. While the vast majority of bus rides are completed without issue, major bus accidents do happen. Passengers involved in a bus accident can suffer devastating, sometimes fatal, personal injuries.

Determining Fault for Injuries Sustained in a Bus Accident

Just recently, three women were killed and 17 others were injured when the charter bus they were riding on rolled down an interstate embankment in California. The official cause of the crash has not yet been established, but it is likely that rainy conditions contributed to the bus driver losing control of the vehicle.

Determining liability in a bus crash is often very challenging—especially when multiple vehicles are involved in the accident. Bus drivers are held to a high standard of care and are expected to do everything in their power to prevent foreseeable passenger injuries. A bus driver may be liable for damages caused in a bus accident if he or she was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, using a cell phone while driving, or otherwise acting negligently. It is also possible that liability lies with the company the bus driver works for or the party responsible for bus maintenance. If the cause of a bus accident is a malfunctioning piece of equipment, the manufacturer of the bus or equipment may be legally responsible for damages caused in the accident. The liable party in a bus accident could also be the driver of another vehicle.

On Tuesday, July 3rd, a startling bus crash in downtown Chicago reminded all Chicagoans that bus accidents, while seemingly unlikely, can occur. The accident occurred early Tuesday afternoon when a car crashed into a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus. After colliding with the bus, which was traveling in the Gage Park area, the driver of the car was fatally injured. On the bus, four passengers and the bus driver suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization. While all the bus occupants are now stable, the accident was a stirring reminder of the fact that CTA bus accidents, when they do occur, can be very dangerous. 

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), more than 1,000 motor coach accidents occur each year nationwide. In 2016 alone, 227 passengers lost their lives in bus accidents. If you or a loved one are injured in a bus accident, it is critically important to find the quality personal injury attorney that your family deserves. 

Nationwide Large Commercial Vehicle Trends 

A recent tragic accident between a school bus and dump truck in New Jersey reminded Americans nationwide of the inherent dangers of driving large commercial vehicles. In all, 43 students suffered injuries in the accident, while two bus occupants were killed. The accident occurred when the bus was struck by the dump truck while attempting a U-turn through a cut-through on New Jersey’s Interstate 80. Both drivers are under investigation for reckless and negligent driving. 

Due to the overall size of both school buses and commercial trucks, when accidents involving these vehicles occur, they come with increased severity. If a member of your family has been injured in an automobile accident involving large commercial vehicles, it is important to understand your options for pursuing compensation from the negligent party or parties. 

Commercial Trucking and Busing Statistics 

Fall is back to school season, and as students return to their studies, many of them will be traveling to and from school via bus. While school buses provide a number of safety features, children may still be at risk in school bus accidents.

In order to avoid injuries, drivers and parents should practice the following safety tips around school buses.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Earlier this year, an investigation by the Chicago-Sun Times found that in the past two years, Chicago Transit Authority buses were involved in more than 500 accidents. More than 1,000 people were injured and five people were killed as a result of the crashes.

The accidents are expensive as well — costing taxpayers a whopping $16 million in the form of lawsuit settlements and legal fees. During 2015 and 2016, there were 380 lawsuits filed against the CTA.

Recently, the CTA admitted fault for a 2015 crash in which a CTA bus ran a red light and hit a pedestrian. The pedestrian died in the accident. Because the CTA admitted fault, the agency will likely have to pay a settlement in the wrongful death case.