Bus Accidents 101

Bus accidents in the Dallas/Fort Worth area can cause devastating injuries. Due to their sheer size, buses are extremely dangerous in any collision. Passengers on buses are typically unrestrained, and have virtually none of the protection that passengers in other motor vehicles utilize. It is vital to beware of any potentially dangerous bus travel situations.

Poor Safety Standards and Compliance Cause Issues

You would be shocked by the poor safety standards and compliance that many bus companies offer their passengers. From Greyhound to local bus agencies, you may experience a host of potential safety issues, including poorly-maintained buses, bus drivers without enough experience, or even a bus driver who has been driving too many long shifts.

Any of these issues could potentially cause serious accidents due to the nature of bus collisions.

In fact, the FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, implemented a new list of federal regulations to protect bus passengers and ensure bus agencies are complying with federal safety laws. The new federal regulations include:

Drug testing for drivers
Removing drivers with alcohol-related infractions from service
Penalties for allowing drivers to drive buses without proper qualification
Penalties for operating a bus scheduled for repairs before it's had repairs
Penalties for operating a bus without reporting or repairing defects listed by the previous driver
Penalties for operating a bus without performing periodic inspections

Failure to adhere to federal safety regulations can result in the company failing a safety audit, which can lead to an inability to qualify for a permanent registration. These regulations are being put into place to protect bus riders and help prevent bus accidents.

Types of Bus Accident Injuries

Unfortunately, bus accidents are a reality. Whether you are taking a tour bus, a local transit bus or even sending your kids off to school, accidents happen. Common types of bus accident injuries include:

Whiplash from a bus accident/collision;
Broken bones due to a bus accident or collision;
Crossing in front of the bus and being injured by the bus directly;
Being injured in a car or other vehicle due to a bus accident/collision.

Dealing with Bus Accidents

Resolving bus accidents can be difficult. Buses may fall under local, city or federal jurisdiction, depending on the circumstances and the agency operating the bus. Tracking down the responsible party and correctly prosecuting them can be a challenging exercise. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, contact an experienced bus accident attorney for help.