Buses are a convenient way to navigate Washington cities, transport children to school, and carry tourists from other states to scenic Washington locations. While we tend to think of a bus as a safe, comfortable way to travel, it also has extended blind spots, is difficult to maneuver, and requires well-trained drivers. Unfortunately, not every bus ride ends with a safe drop-off. What are the most common causes of Washington bus accidents?
Driver Negligence Often Causes Bus Accidents In Washington
Bus drivers must have adequate training to safely drive a bus in all traffic and road conditions. Because buses cross county and state borders, most bus companies and agencies must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations to minimize the risk of crashes. Still, despite regulations, bus accidents often happen due to bus driver negligence, such as the following:
- Speeding
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Tailgating
- Improper merging
- Illegal passing
- Aggressive driving
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
Most buses do not require passengers to wear seat belts, making it more likely that bus passengers will suffer serious injuries in accidents.
Inadequate Bus Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
Buses require routine maintenance and prompt repairs to address mechanical failures and prevent accidents. Unfortunately, bus companies or city transit agencies sometimes cut corners, postpone repairs, or provide inadequate maintenance for their bus fleets. Common causes of bus accidents in Washington include:
- Brake failures
- Steering system malfunctions
- Tire blowouts
- Suspension failures
Buses have stringent maintenance requirements and inspection schedules. Bus companies must also keep meticulous records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Failing to adhere to the required routine maintenance can result in dangerous mechanical failures and accidents.
Third-Party Fault and Liability In Washington Bus Accidents
Less commonly, other entities cause or contribute to bus accidents in Washington. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence laws and contributory fault, all parties who cause or contribute to an accident are liable for any damages, including injury-related costs. Depending on the circumstances of an accident, sometimes third parties unrelated to the busing industry may be liable or partly liable, including the following:
- A city road-planning agency that designed a dangerous intersection, entrance ramp, or other unsafe road condition
- A road maintenance agency that failed to correct a hazardous condition, such as a large pothole or an obstructed road sign
- A negligent road construction contractor for leaving dangerous obstacles or debris, or for posting inadequate warning signs
- The manufacturer of a defective bus part or tire
- A third-party driver
The bus company’s or city transit agency’s insurer investigates a bus accident to determine the cause; however, these companies are not on the injury victim’s side. Instead, they may actively undermine an injury victim’s compensation claim after a bus accident to protect the company’s profits.
How Can a Washington Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Experiencing a bus accident is a frightening and traumatic experience, especially if you’ve suffered painful injuries. You deserve the full compensation available to you for your damages, including medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. A Washington personal injury attorney conducts an independent investigation into all aspects of the accident and pursues compensation through every available avenue to maximize your settlement or court award for damages.