Traffic accidents in Yonkers pose a significant risk of injuries or fatalities, depending on several factors such as speed, weather conditions, driver’s expertise, type of vehicle, etc.
When it comes to accidents involving buses, the chances of serious injuries to people get higher. The large mass those kinds of vehicles have and the fact they can carry up to 40 people inside makes them potentially dangerous when they get into an accident.
Legal issues around accidents in these vehicles can turn complicated. The city has different types of buses to fulfill different objectives. There are buses to carry children from their homes to school; commercial buses tend to be private companies offering transportation to tourists.
We also have those buses that provide public transportation to New York residents. It does not matter if you were in an MTA bus accident, or a school bus accident, or if you were the victim in the car that the bus crashed into, or a pedestrian when the accident occurred.
You will need legal help. Find the best representation from a bus accident attorney at The Ward Law Group. We have protected our client’s best interests for the past 12 years. Our legal team is committed to bringing justice once and for all.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can have devastating consequences for those involved. Understanding the common causes behind these incidents is crucial in seeking justice and compensation for victims.
In Yonkers, as in many places, several factors contribute to bus accidents. Here, we delve into the key elements that play a significant role:
Driver Negligence
One of the leading causes of bus accidents is driver negligence. This occurs when a bus driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle.
It may involve actions such as speeding, running red lights, or disregarding traffic signs. For instance, a fatigued driver who exceeds their mandated hours without rest puts passengers at serious risk. In such cases, the bus company may be liable for failing to enforce proper scheduling and rest periods for their drivers.
Distracted Driving
In today's digital age, distracted driving has become an alarming issue. Bus drivers can be tempted to engage with their phones, GPS devices, or passengers while driving like any other motorist.
Such distractions divert their attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents. For instance, a bus driver responding to a text message may fail to notice a sudden traffic slowdown, leading to a rear-end collision.
Some buses have specific rules that explicitly say not to talk or distract the driver by asking questions while the bus is traveling.
Driver Fatigue:
Operating a vehicle while fatigued closely mirrors the risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol—reaction times diminish, and attention wanes. Consequently, crucial elements like an animal darting across the road or abrupt traffic changes become easier to overlook. Fatigued drivers may unintentionally drift across center lines, encroach into oncoming traffic, or neglect to yield to pedestrians at crossings.
Like truck drivers, bus drivers often work several hours without rest and travel long distances. That behavior could lead to a severe accident.
Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol
Bus drivers are also prone to be negligent by drinking alcohol before driving. Even a small drink can impair a person's senses and provoke a serious bus crash.
In the United States, a "standard drink" contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually about 5% alcohol
- 5 ounces of wine, which is typically about 12% alcohol
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, which is about 40% alcohol
A bus driver may take a full glass of wine during lunch or grab a beer to refresh themselves a little, but that one drink can impair them enough to cause an accident on the road.
Poor Road Conditions
Adverse road conditions are another significant factor contributing to bus accidents. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and insufficient road signage can pose serious hazards.
For example, if a bus encounters a large pothole, it may lead to a loss of control, potentially causing an accident. In such cases, examining whether local authorities fulfilled their duty to maintain safe road conditions is crucial.
Also, when construction zones or men are working over the road, they must place proper signage so everyone knows about the danger and they could reduce their speed.
Weather-Related Factors
Inclement weather can significantly impact road safety, especially for larger vehicles like buses. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and unpredictable weather patterns can make driving conditions treacherous.
For instance, a bus driver might struggle to maintain control during a heavy snowstorm, leading to a collision. Bus companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained to handle adverse weather conditions.
Besides, reducing speed during a snowstorm or heavy rainstorm is common sense. The friction between the pavement and your vehicle's tire tends to be less if there is a layer of water over the road.
Mechanical Failures
Faulty equipment and mechanical failures are additional causes of bus accidents. These can range from brake malfunctions to engine failures.
For example, if a bus company neglects regular maintenance checks, it may lead to catastrophic consequences. In such cases, it's crucial to determine whether the company adhered to industry standards for vehicle maintenance.
Bus companies must have a strict maintenance routine for their vehicles. It is mainly to provide safety for their users, and also, that’s a healthy action for them to avoid future problems by reducing the chances of a bus accident in Yonkers.
Understanding Liability in Bus Accidents
Determining liability in bus accidents requires a comprehensive evaluation of the various parties' responsibilities.
In Yonkers, as in the rest of New York, there are distinct roles and obligations that contribute to establishing who is legally responsible for the incident. Here's an overview of the key parties and their respective responsibilities:
1. Bus Operators:
Bus operators are entrusted with the safety of passengers and other road users. Their responsibilities encompass adhering to traffic laws, exercising due care, and maintaining control of the vehicle at all times.
In the event of an accident caused by operator negligence, the operator may be held personally liable. This could include actions like speeding, reckless driving, or failure to yield the right of way.
Also, if the driver was somewhat impaired or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that caused their bad choice of decisions leading to an accident, it’s another act of negligence that will make him/her liable.
2. Transportation Companies:
Transportation companies bear a significant responsibility for bus accidents. They are responsible for hiring qualified and trained drivers, conducting background checks, and ensuring compliance with industry safety standards.
If a company neglects these duties and hires an unqualified or inadequately trained driver, they may be liable for any resulting accidents.
They must have a training department or at least have an instructor to make sure that their new drivers prove the skills they claim to have. Companies must know what kind of people they hire, their temperament, and if they can handle stressful situations.
3. Maintenance Crews:
Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure the safe operation of buses. Maintenance crews are tasked with identifying and rectifying any mechanical issues promptly.
This maintenance crew must work in close communication with the drivers as they may detect any problem the bus is experiencing.
Negligence in this area, such as failing to address known problems or improperly maintaining the vehicle, can lead to accidents. In such cases, the maintenance crew or the company overseeing maintenance may be held responsible.
4. Manufacturers and Suppliers:
Defective parts or equipment can contribute to bus accidents. In such instances, the manufacturer or supplier of the faulty component may share liability.
This could involve manufacturing defects, design flaws, or inadequate warnings about potential risks associated with certain parts.
5. Government Entities:
Local government agencies are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. If a bus accident is caused by factors like poorly maintained roads, missing or unclear signage, or hazardous road conditions, the government entity overseeing the area may be liable.
People must be warned that pursuing claims against government entities may involve specific legal procedures and deadlines, so reviewing their case with a bus accident attorney as soon as possible is critical for them if they want to take action properly.
6. Other Negligent Parties:
Liability in bus accidents can extend beyond the immediate parties involved. For instance, if a third-party contractor was responsible for maintenance and failed to perform necessary repairs, they may share in the liability. It's crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially negligent parties.
Compensation for Bus Accident Victims
Bus accidents can lead to many physical, emotional, and financial hardships for victims. A bus accident lawyer in Yonkers understands and is able to explain the types of compensation available for helping victims rebuild their lives.
In Yonkers, New York, victims of bus accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation to address their losses and injuries.
1. Medical Expenses:
One of the primary forms of compensation for bus accident victims is coverage for medical expenses. This encompasses all costs associated with injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Victims should keep meticulous records of all medical bills, consultations, and treatments, as they may be eligible for reimbursement or coverage.
2. Pain and Suffering:
Pain and suffering compensation is designed to address the physical and emotional distress experienced by victims. This includes not only the immediate pain after the accident but also long-term discomfort, anxiety, and trauma.
Determining the value of pain and suffering can be complex and often requires the expertise of an experienced lawyer for your bus accident to ensure victims receive fair and just compensation.
3. Lost Wages:
Bus accidents frequently result in injuries that can prevent victims from returning to work for an extended period. Compensation for lost wages aims to alleviate the financial strain caused by this absence. This includes the immediate income lost and future earning potential if the injuries have lasting effects on the victim's ability to work.
4. Property Damage:
In addition to personal injuries, bus accidents can also cause damage to the victim's property, such as their vehicle or personal belongings. Compensation for property damage is intended to cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged items.
It's essential to document the extent of the damage and provide evidence, such as photographs and repair estimates, to support this claim.
5. Wrongful Death Damages:
Tragically, some bus accidents result in the loss of a loved one. In such cases, surviving family members may be eligible for wrongful death damages.
This compensation can cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering experienced as a result of the loss.
Contact a Yonkers Bus Accident Attorney
If you or a family member got injured in a bus accident in New York, don’t hesitate to contact our legal firm to back you up. The Ward Law Group has been providing high-quality representation to injured people.
We understand how frustrating and painful it can be to deal with serious injuries or have to take care of a relative who is suffering the consequences of a negligent person. It is not fair to pay for their wrong decisions or actions.
We are committed to bringing justice to you and your family. We will fight tirelessly to win fair compensation that enables you to recover from your injuries and return to normal as soon as possible.
Get a free consultation of your accident case by calling us at 855-DOLOR-55, and one of our bus accidents attorneys will answer your questions.