Buses provide safe and cost-effective transportation for millions of passengers each day. Bus transportation is common among people going to school, work, traveling, among other things. Accidents involving a bus may result in significant property damage and severe injuries and fatalities, often attributed to the massive size and weight of these vehicles.
Bus accidents often occur in congested urban areas in stop-and-go traffic, involve pedestrians, and may include multiple vehicles, which can make it difficult to determine fault. In these situations, injured victims are encouraged to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A Marlborough bus accident lawyer could help you obtain substantial financial compensation through legal action.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Marlborough
Although many more roadway accidents involve passenger vehicles than buses, injuries from bus accidents have the potential of being more catastrophic. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Bus driver distraction due to frequent stops, monitoring passengers, or using personal devices
- A driver is operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Harsh weather conditions that impair visibility and reduce braking and turning capability
- Mechanical problems, failures in maintenance, or defective parts
- Encountering other motorists who disregard traffic laws, such as failing to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading passengers
In limited cases, passengers on buses can collide into others, interior structural objects, or windows from the force of a collision or a very abrupt stop. The majority of bus coaches do not have seatbelts or other restraining devices, as federal law does not require them for most models. A knowledgeable bus accident lawyer could help determine the cause of the collision and assess the types of injuries sustained.
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Civil Liability in Vehicle Accidents
Connecticut is among one of the states that employ a fault-based automobile insurance system. A driver who is at-fault in a vehicle accident is liable for compensating others who were injured or suffered damages. According to Connecticut General Statutes 246:14-29, any owner of a motor, service, or school bus must have between $50,000 and $300,000 in minimum liability coverage for injuries or fatalities, depending on the number of passengers it can carry.
A bus accident may pose challenges regarding liability. The liable party could be the driver of the bus, the employer of the driver, another motorist, and others. For example, the bus company could be responsible for failing to maintain the vehicle correctly, or for failing to comply with screening and testing requirements for their drivers.
More than one party may have contributed to the accident and bear some degree of liability—even the injured claimant. Based on the doctrine of comparative negligence, a jury may assess and allocate shares of fault as a percentage. Reductions of any total award for damages are made based on the portion of fault assigned to the claimant.
Consult with a Marlborough Bus Accident Attorney Today
Roadway collisions involving a bus or other massive vehicle can have particularly devastating results for pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. In some cases, accidents result from the carelessness or recklessness of a bus operator. A seasoned lawyer who is familiar with bus accident cases may be best-suited to analyze the unique circumstances and identify the liable party.
People who become seriously injured in large motor vehicle accidents may find themselves unable to work and facing a long road of physical recovery. An experienced Marlborough bus accident lawyer could explain your options and might be able to assist you in pursuing compensation through civil action.
