Buses, including tour buses, city buses, and school buses, are formidable and substantial vehicles on the road with a significant potential for accidents. Due to their size, bus collisions typically result in more severe outcomes than car accidents. Damages in bus accidents aren’t just limited to vehicles. People may lose their lives or suffer serious, life-altering injuries. People here refer to passengers in the bus and those outside the bus (other motorists and pedestrians). With such a huge responsibility on their shoulders, the job of a bus driver is definitely a difficult one.

Buses share the road with other modes of transportation, such as bicycles and pedestrians. Thus, the risk of fatal accidents is always present. Accidents involving these groups can occur if drivers fail to pay attention or follow traffic rules. Apart from traffic rules, other factors that are outside the control of the driver may contribute to a bus accident.

If you’re a victim of a bus accident, you might be eligible to file a claim against the negligent party. However, to do so, you need to find out the exact cause of the accident, which can be hard. So, if you have been involved in a bus accident, it’s important to contact bus accident attorneys to find out the cause of the accident and claim compensation. In this blog post, we explore some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Philadelphia.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Philadelphia 

Bus accidents are a major concern in Philadelphia, as they can cause significant injuries to passengers and other motorists. While there can be many reasons for these accidents, some common causes include:

Driver negligence

Bus drivers often make mistakes such as speeding, road rage, and failing to yield the right-of-way. All these lead to accidents that cause damage not just to the driver and the passengers but to other motorists and pedestrians as well.

Another rising concern, not just among bus drivers, is distracted driving. Bus drivers sometimes check their phones when driving, failing to keep their eyes on the road. In addition to phones, bus drivers are sometimes distracted by billboards or something funny happening on the road. These can lead to accidents as well.

Driver fatigue, commonly caused by obstructive sleep apnea, also increases the chance of a highway accident by 2.5 times compared to other drivers. This is why drivers, especially bus drivers, should take sufficient rest between shifts to make sure that they don’t doze off in the middle of a ride.

Bad weather leading to dangerous road conditions

Hazardous weather or road conditions often lead to bus accidents. The vehicle’s weight and difficulties in maneuvering greatly increase the severity of a bus crash. This is why bus drivers should be well-trained to operate the vehicle in all weather conditions.

Additionally, bus drivers should also take the necessary precautions when they are forced to ride in unfavorable weather conditions. Philadelphia’s roads can be challenging for bus drivers, especially during bad weather conditions or in spots where construction work is taking place. Poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage also play a part in bus accidents, causing buses to slip and lose control during rides.

Bus company negligence

Bus companies have the responsibility to make sure that their vehicles are in top condition before they start their shift. Buses are large and complex vehicles that require regular maintenance to ensure their safe operation. 

If a bus company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, it can lead to serious consequences. The most common ones include brake failure and a lack of or poor safety features for both the driver and passengers. 

The bus company’s negligence frequently causes accidents. Although the industry follows regulations, bus inspections and record-keeping monitoring are less strict than those of airlines. Many companies’ old bus fleets may need seat belts and other safety equipment that may prevent injuries or drastically reduce the damages suffered in the event of an accident.

Allowing drivers who don’t have the proper training or certification is a sign of bus company negligence. Employing trained or certified drivers is essential since they have the expertise to handle tricky situations with composure and take the safety of bus passengers very seriously. If you think the negligence of a bus company was the reason for your bus accident injuries, then consulting a lawyer is the best course of action.

Blind spots

Another common cause of bus accidents is blind spots. A blind spot is an area not seen by the driver. Mirrors are placed on buses to avoid blind spots. But still, considering the size of the bus, drivers may still miss people or vehicles close to the bus.

Due to blind spots, many drivers make wrong decisions, which often results in accidents. It is important for other drivers to learn about these blind spots and take specia l care when driving near buses or other large vehicles like trucks or semis. It is really hard to win a compensation case where the accident was caused by blind spots. Determining liability in such cases is really hard, which is why you need an experienced lawyer.

Conclusion

Bus accidents can be traumatic events. When they happen, they seldom cause damage to just one person. Motorists and pedestrians should abide by traffic rules and maintain a safe distance from buses.

Accidents involving buses are preventable. Very few bus accidents happen due to bad luck. Human errors are the reason for the majority of bus accidents, which is sad because these errors are avoidable and easily detectable.

It is essential to address these common causes to prevent bus accidents in Philadelphia. Bus companies should ensure that their drivers are adequately trained and that their vehicles are well maintained. They should also enforce strict policies against distracted driving and speeding. So, in the event of a bus accident, it’s important to seek help from skilled bus accident attorneys. They provide legal guidance to help you get the right compensation for your injuries and damages.

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