Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer
Public transportation in Maryland is operated by the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA). Many residents who cannot drive or do not own a vehicle use buses to get to work and appointments and run errands.
Buses are built to be very sturdy and are generally one of the safest forms of transportation. However, dangers can still occur. Accidents are still possible and they can be catastrophic or even fatal.
Bus accidents can cause various injuries. You may be unable to work. If you have been affected, the team at Furman | Honick Law can help you with your case. Our Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer can assess your case and sue the bus company, bus driver, and other liable parties.
Categories of Bus Accidents
Generally, there are four main categories of bus accidents:
- Negligence on the part of the bus company. This may include poor hiring practices, poor training, and a lack of bus maintenance.
- Negligence on the part of the bus driver. The bus driver can be held liable for drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other actions that led to a crash.
- Negligence on the part of another driver. It’s possible that another motorist was negligent and led to a bus crash. Speeding, failing to yield, and not following traffic signs and signals can all contribute to an accident.
- Faulty and defective buses. Sometimes buses are defective due to manufacturer negligence.
Causes of Bus Accidents
The most common causes of bus accidents are:
- Bus company negligence. Bus companies have a duty to maintain buses and properly train employees. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any accidents that occur.
- Some bus companies try to put bus drivers on the road as quickly as possible. This is dangerous to everyone on the road, especially if the driver is not adequately trained. Driving a bus is not an easy task and drivers need to be properly trained.
- Bus drivers often work long hours, even though hours of service laws apply. While they should not be driving more than 11 hours straight, sometimes they do. Drivers then get overly tired and this makes accidents more likely to occur.
- Alcohol and drug use can cause decreased coordination and judgment. This makes it harder to avoid hazards that can cause crashes.
- Poor weather conditions. Rain, ice, and snow can cause buses to lose control. The bus can slip and slide and skid or go off the road.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
Bus accident claims involving a public bus can be tricky to fight. You need the right legal help on your side to move your case along. Contact the team at Furman | Honick Law right away. Whether you were on the bus or hit by a bus when you got injured, you may be able to seek compensation. To schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer, fill out the online form or call (410) 844-6000.