Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyers

Bus Accidents In Baltimore City

Although city buses may seem like a safe mode of public transportation, you might be surprised by the number of preventable bus accidents that happen each year in Baltimore City. Just like car accidents, if a bus crash has injured you or a loved one, then you likely have the right to seek legal action and demand financial compensation for your injuries. It’s not your responsibility to endure the physical, emotional, and financial pain of a serious injury on your own if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Trust a skilled Baltimore bus accident lawyer to take your case and to fight for your right to receive the compensation that is owed to you. Hyatt & Goldbloom understands the burden victims and their families have to endure after a serious bus crash. Don’t be a victim twice, contact us to share the details of your bus accident and learn more about exactly what we can do to help you.

Negligence Leads to Preventable Baltimore Bus Accident Injuries

A recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) discovered that city buses are responsible for about 13% of fatal bus accidents throughout the country every year. Deadly school bus accidents account for nearly 40%, and transit buses total 35% of all fatal bus crashes in the nation annually. Additionally, well over 20,000 people suffer injuries in bus crashes each year. Major cities like Baltimore are especially susceptible to serious bus crashes given the volume of bus usage, crowded city streets, busy pedestrian traffic, and much more. Although bus accidents can be common in major cities, negligent behavior by bus drivers, bus owners, and third parties causes the majority of preventable bus accidents. Below are some of the scenarios that can cause serious bus accidents and injuries:

Poor Bus Maintenance

There are many different types of buses in Baltimore, including the City of Baltimore, Baltimore school districts, and private charter bus companies. However, all bus owners have a responsibility to inspect their buses regularly and to make sure that they are in proper working condition before transporting passengers. Buses that are not properly inspected and maintained will eventually experience some type of mechanical error that can lead to serious accidents. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can be difficult to prove without the help of an experienced Baltimore bus accident lawyer who has represented these specific types of cases.

Overcrowded Buses

All buses, as well as other motor vehicles, have weight limits. When the weight limit of a bus is exceeded, the bus driver may struggle to maintain control of the vehicle and can lead to an accident. Overcrowding usually does not cause a problem on scheduled school bus routes, but public buses can sometimes quickly reach capacity. It’s the bus company and driver’s responsibility to manage the capacity of each bus transportation, and when injuries occur due to overcrowding, those parties may be at fault.

Drowsy Driving Bus Accidents

It’s not uncommon for bus drivers to work long shifts that cause them to become tired, especially night shift bus routes. That’s exactly why the FMCSA has devoted extensive resources to study the relationship between sleep and driving. In their case studies, they found that bus drivers who go without sleep for 18 or more hours have the same level of impairment as those who have a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 which would result in a DUI charge for other motorists. If you were in an accident and the driver of the bus seems noticeably drowsy or fatigued, it’s recommended that you reach out to a Baltimore bus accident attorney right away.

Distracted Driving Bus Accidents

Just like all other motorists, bus drivers must comply with federal laws regarding cell phone use while driving. Drivers are not permitted to use a cell phone while operating a bus unless they use a hands-free device. Although cellphones are one of the bigger culprits for distracted and reckless driving, there are plenty of other reasons that can lead to a bus accident. Some of those examples of distractions that can deter bus drivers include unruly passengers, eating and drinking behind the wheel, rubbernecking, adjusting a seat or mirror, and plenty more.

Illegal Passing or Failure to Yield Bus Accidents

It’s common for bus passengers to suffer injuries because another motorist was the cause of the accident. Impatient drivers in passenger vehicles often get annoyed around slow-moving buses and will attempt to pass them illegally on the shoulder or opposite side of the road. This can create a dangerous and deadly situation for both vehicles and can put passengers in danger as they exit and enter the bus. This is especially worrisome in situations where kids on a school bus must cross the road.