Helping People Injured in Bus Accidents During the Holidays

While the holidays bring a sense of joy and excitement for many people, they also bring a sense of dread. The dread mostly stems from the dangers that the holidays can bring. As gloomy as it is to say, the truth of the matter is that the holidays are the worst times to travel. Whether by train, plane, or car, all modes of transportation are affected by the holiday season. With the increase of people traveling around this time of year, it is no surprise that the number of bus accidents increases around the holidays as well.

Do bus accidents increase during the holidays?

A bus accident can happen any time throughout the year. However, there are certain conditions during the holidays that increase the chances of a bus accident occurring. One is the increased traffic on the road. Just like you, there are millions of other people who are traveling to spend time with their family members, and the roads are a reflection of that truth.

The holiday season leads to an increase in road congestion, which then leads to an increase in road rage incidents and reckless driving behaviors, like tailgating and cutting other drivers off. These particular driving behaviors can cause or lead to a bus accident.

Another condition that leads to an increase in bus accidents is a change in weather conditions. The change in weather leads to certain road issues like snow and ice that can make traveling on the roads dangerous. The additional stress of holiday shopping and returning home for the holidays contribute to people making the decision to travel in weather conditions that would regularly keep people at home.

In addition to the poor weather conditions, the stress of the holidays causes increased fatigue and stress for many people. Many people face stress about gift-giving and holiday parties that can later lead to reckless behaviors like distracted or fatigued driving.

What are some common causes of bus accidents?

One of the frequent causes of bus accidents is negligence on behalf of the bus driver or the bus company. Commercial bus drivers are required to follow hours of service regulations and take the necessary breaks before returning back on the road. When a bus company performs poor supervision of their employees, drivers may engage in risky behaviors while working their shifts.

In addition to ignoring hours of service regulations, drivers may operate buses while intoxicated or suffering from extreme fatigue. Under these conditions, drivers are also at risk of becoming easily distracted while driving, increasing the risk of causing an accident.

Another common cause of bus accidents is poor vehicle maintenance. It is the responsibility of the bus company to ensure that each part of the bus is properly maintained and up to date. When a bus contains defective parts, or old equipment has not been replaced, malfunctions such as engine compartment fires and tire blowouts can cause significant injuries to passengers and other motorists on the road.

What types of injuries are caused by bus accidents?

Some of the common injuries that are caused by a bus accident are brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. The weight and size of a bus can cause significant damage to anyone involved in an accident.

The force of the impact from a bus accident can cause a person’s head to whip around uncontrollably and smash against the seat. This extreme blunt force taken to the head can lead to traumatic brain injuries, and even spinal cord injuries if the spinal cord endures extreme damage. If there is substantial damage to the spinal cord, passengers can suffer permanent paralysis.

Because most bus seats do not have seat belts, passengers can fall if a bus stops suddenly or strikes another object. The falls can result in broken bones, lacerations, and fractures. The fractures can range from simple broken bones to more severe crushing injuries. The crushing can be severe enough that it can result in a permanent injury.

If a bus strikes a pedestrian, the pedestrian is at risk of suffering serious, and even fatal, injuries. Because the pedestrian is colliding against the size and weight of the bus, their bodies absorb the force of the collision. Pedestrians are at risk of suffering from internal injuries, along with other fatal injuries. Some of these injuries include punctured lungs, internal hemorrhaging, liver lacerations, and kidney damage. These types of injuries can become fatal if they are not treated properly.

Who can be held liable for a bus accident?

The circumstances of the bus accident determine who can be held liable for any injuries. The bus driver can be held liable if it can be proven that they operated the bus in a negligent manner. The bus company is another party that can potentially be held liable for a bus accident.

The bus company has a responsibility to ensure that every bus driver is qualified to operate the bus in a safe manner. If it is proven that the bus company failed to abide by certain regulations or properly ensure that the bus driver was competent enough to operate the bus, the company can be held liable for the driver’s actions.

Trust the reliable accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers to provide you with comprehensive representation in a variety of mass transit accident cases. If you or a family member were injured by the negligent actions of a commercial bus driver, our legal team aggressively advocates for the compensation your case deserves. Call our Chicago office today at 312-600-9585 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation. We believe in putting the needs of our clients first and offering high-quality personal injury representation.