Due to the large size and heavy weight of buses, accidents involving these common carriers can be devastating. When bus drivers do not follow traffic rules or properly prioritize the safety of passengers, they can be held responsible for any harm resulting from their carelessness.
After an incident involving public transportation, a Little Rock bus accident lawyer could work with you to evaluate your situation and help you determine whether you have a civil lawsuit. Get in touch with the Reed Firm to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney today.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
People rely on buses daily to get to and from work and school. Public transportation is a convenient way to get around, but it does come with risks. Additionally, because buses do not have seatbelts, airbags, or other forms of protection, passengers can experience serious injuries when a crash occurs.
Many of the most common causes of bus accidents are similar to any other motor vehicle collision, with driver negligence being the leading contributing factor. Bus drivers are susceptible to distractions at the wheel and often work long hours and do not take breaks. Other causes of bus accidents include:
- Bad weather
- Poor road conditions
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless or aggressive driving from other motorists on the road
Regardless of the cause of the bus wreck, it is vitally important to contact an experienced Little Rock attorney as soon as possible. They can help determine the best steps to take to protect a person’s legal right to compensation for their injuries and losses.
Proving Fault for a Bus Wreck
Most bus accident lawsuits will be against the bus driver or their employer. Depending on the cause of the wreck, other people, companies, or government agencies might be responsible. For example, bus companies are expected to perform due diligence when hiring a driver. If the driver has a history of accidents or DWIs and the company still employs them, this can shift liability to the employer and make them responsible for any injuries the driver causes.
Sometimes, defective bus parts cause accidents. When this happens, there might be a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Government agencies can also be held responsible for a crash if the event occurs due to poorly maintained roads.
Arkansas follows the modified comparative fault rule when there are multiple responsible parties in a negligence case. The court will assign a percentage of fault to each involved person or group, and they will pay damages based on this percentage. The person seeking compensation can only receive compensation if they were less than 50 percent responsible for their injuries.
A Little Rock bus crash attorney could help an injured passenger determine who is responsible for the accident and gather the evidence needed to prove that person or group is at fault.
Choose a Little Rock Bus Accident Attorney for Skilled Guidance
Contact a Little Rock bus accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options when you are hurt due to a bus driver or their employer’s reckless or careless behavior. At the Reed Firm, we pride ourselves on being a client-centric law firm where your needs come first. You will never have trouble reaching someone who can help.
Let our team provide you with the support you need during a difficult time and handle all legal matters so you can focus on recovering.