Rocklin Bus Accident Attorney

There are fewer buses on the roads in California than passenger vehicles, so the accident rate for buses is much lower than most other vehicles. However, due to the size of these vehicles, bus accidents are typically very damaging and result in injuries or fatalities to multiple victims. These accidents can happen for a wide range of reasons, including:

• Common carrier negligence. Bus companies that offer transportation to the public as a paid service are common carriers. This designation indicates that the company’s employed drivers have a higher duty of care than private individual drivers because they provide their services for compensation. When a bus driver is negligent in any way that results in a bus accident, or if a bus company was negligent in the hiring, training, or assigning of work to the driver in question, common carrier liability can come into play in a resulting civil case.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It’s possible for a bus accident to occur due to a private individual driver who is driving their vehicle while intoxicated and collides with the bus. If a bus driver is drinking on the job or otherwise inebriated while performing their job duties, the driver and their employer could potentially absorb liability for the accident. Anyone who causes a bus accident or any other vehicle accident because of DUI will face criminal prosecution in addition to civil liability for victims’ claims for damages.
• Distracted driving. Across the US, distracted driving is the leading cause of vehicle accidents. Bus accidents also occur from distracted driving at the fault of both bus drivers and other drivers nearby. All drivers have a duty of care to pay close attention to the road when operating their vehicles.
• Bad weather. While rare, severe storms and high winds can contribute to serious vehicle accidents, including bus accidents.
• Mechanical defects. If a bus manufacturer released a defective bus model or a parts manufacturer supplied a defective part to the bus company, it’s possible that this defect could cause a serious accident and implicate the responsible manufacturer as liable under product liability laws.
• Bad road conditions. If a road’s poor condition results in a bus accident, liability would technically fall on the government agency responsible for the road’s upkeep. However, taking legal action against a government entity is very difficult and subject to special restrictions.
• Speeding and reckless driving. When drivers fail to adhere to posted speed limits, they are often unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid colliding with other vehicles or objects. Bus accidents can occur when bus drivers drive too fast or when other third-party drivers engage in reckless driving.
• Moving violations. Bus drivers and all other vehicle drivers must adhere to posted traffic signals and signs, and they must operate their vehicles correctly so other drivers can anticipate their movements. Illegal U-turns, illegal turns, lane changes without signaling, and running stop signs or red lights are just a few examples of moving violations that can lead to serious bus accidents.

These are only a few examples of how bus accidents can happen. If you recently suffered injuries while riding as a passenger on a bus, a Rocklin bus accident lawyer can help you determine which party or parties bear liability for your damages.