Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyers
Seeking Compensation for Bus Accident Victims
Only occasionally does a bus accident lead the evening news, but passengers should not be lulled into a false sense of security. Bus accidents, though seldom fatal, occur every day. In 2013, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 280 buses were involved in a fatal crash. Even more troubling is evidence that bus accidents disproportionately affect the youngest and most vulnerable riders. The NHTSA maintains that school buses were involved in 41% of the aforementioned fatal accidents, followed by transit buses and intercity buses at 33% and 13%, respectively.
Injuries in Bus Accidents Are Frequently Serious
Buses are more susceptible to tip-over and roll-over accidents than other motor vehicles because of their size. However, Philadelphia bus accident lawyers note that even a low-speed crash can lead to injuries. Because passengers are often unable to see impending danger, they may not be braced for impact. Making matters worse, many buses do not feature seatbelts or other supplemental safety devices, such as airbags.
Moreover, some buses equipped with restrooms may allow their passengers to freely roam the cabin. In the event of even a minor fender bender, these passengers are at risk of suffering serious, life-threatening injuries. This is because a passenger who is unseated at the time of a crash receives virtually no protection, and can be thrown about the cabin or even ejected.
Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyers Help Assess Liability
After sustaining injuries in a bus accident, a passenger may choose to seek compensation for their pain and suffering, as well as reimbursement of all medical bills. When riding a bus to work, school or for leisure, a passenger is powerless to avoid dangers which may very well have been avoidable. It can often be difficult to discern which party is legally responsible for a crash.
An auto accident involving an intercity bus will often invoke liability for a municipality, just as an accident involving a school bus will invoke liability for a school district when a bus driver is to blame. In both instances, a government entity – most of which are self-insured – will likely be named as a defendant in any ensuing personal injury action. When seeking compensation from a government entity, expedited timelines will often apply. A skilled Philadelphia bus accident lawyer can help determine the proper timeframe for filing a complaint.
When a bus accident is caused by faulty or defective equipment, the equipment manufacturer may also be deemed liable in court. Accident reconstruction experts and investigators must first determine whether a bus malfunctioned, and then determine how – if at all – the malfunction contributed to an accident. When another motorist causes a bus accident by driving negligently, injured parties must file a lawsuit against the driver or his or her insurer.
Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Patrick G. Geckle LLC Fight for the Rights of Bus Accident Victims
A bus accident does not need to involve high speeds or a roll-over in order to result in serious injuries, because bus passengers are largely unprotected – and thus vulnerable – in the event of a crash. Whether your bus accident was caused by driver error, a passing motorist or faulty equipment, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident contact Philadelphia bus accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Patrick G. Geckle LLC. We aggressively pursue compensation on behalf of clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Delaware County. Contact us online or call 215-735-3326 or toll-free at 800-555-7780 to schedule your free consultation today.