Truck, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Causes of Accidents that Involve Buses and Other Commercial Vehicles

Accidents that involve buses and other commercial vehicles occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include the following:

Driver Negligence

Bus drivers and the operators of other commercial vehicles hold other people’s lives in their hands. Consequently, they have a duty to their passengers to ensure that they are driving in a reasonable and safe manner at all times and that they are obeying all applicable traffic laws and regulations. When drivers fail in this regard, they may collide with another vehicle, resulting in a serious accident. Similar accidents can also occur if a commercial vehicle driver is under the illegal influence of alcohol or drugs at the time he or she is operating a vehicle.

Bus or Trucking Company Negligence

Bus companies and the owners of other commercial vehicles are responsible for making sure that their vehicles are properly maintained at all times and that they are kept in safe working condition. If a mechanical malfunction or other defect results in an accident in which people sustain injuries, victims may be able to make a claim against the company responsible for the vehicle’s operation.

Defective Parts

Sometimes, buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles are involved in accidents when something malfunctions. For example, when brakes, windshield wipers, vehicle lights, or other essential pieces of equipment malfunction, it can significantly increase the likelihood of a serious, injury-causing accident.

Pursuing Damages

In order to recover damages after an accident with a commercial vehicle, victims must demonstrate that the operator of the commercial vehicle or some other party acted unreasonably under the circumstances. Moreover, the accident victim must be able to demonstrate that he or she suffered injuries and that these injuries occurred because of the accident. Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be able to recover compensation for all of the medical bills which they incurred, along with their lost wages and compensation for physical pain and suffering, as well as other damages.