Bus accidents, unlike private car accidents, usually involve a larger number of people. It is estimated that the average number of people injured in a bus accident is 10. In contrast, private cars can only carry an average of half that number of passengers.
Bus accidents involve a greater number of people on board since these public service vehicles facilitate the movement of a large flow of people who travel through Brooklyn and New York State in general and wish to avoid the mishaps involved in driving a private car in the big city. This means saving significant time by no longer looking for a place to park or having to deal with traffic hold-ups.
Public buses often have special routes, with authorized stops and routes crossing the skyscraper state's arteries. In 2020, there were very few people using public transportation due to COVID-19. However, in 2021, there has been an increase in the number of people using the subway and buses. Transit authorities like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have observed this trend.
Businesses and travel restrictions were gradually loosened throughout the year; schools reopened for in-person instruction in September, and employees gradually started returning to the office.
760 million people used the subway in 2021, which was 45% more people than in 2019. 312 million people rode buses, back to 56% of their 2019 ridership figures. This transportation company has around 6,000 buses to meet the transportation needs of the people in New York. The following were described in total 234 local bus routes, 20 Select Bus Service routes, and 73 express bus routes in the five boroughs.
In Brooklyn, many people use public transportation. However, in other areas with more suburbs, public transit is not as popular. Fortunately, New York is a city where you can get by without a car, as the roads are connected and designed along with mass transit networks.
Without such connections, life in the state would be drastically altered, as public transportation helps somewhat to mitigate the effects of traffic and spontaneous crowding on the tracks.
In the event of a bus accident, it is inevitable that several people will not be involved at the same time due to the massive nature of the service. In these types of events, the questions that arise may be several. In legal matters, something that has been part of the debate among the legal fields is whether these cases should be addressed through class action lawsuits or individual lawsuits.
The answer to this question will depend on the details of the accident. As we have recommended on other occasions since we began this season of Brooklyn car accident articles, a thorough investigation should always be conducted first to determine the best legal alternatives.
Each case is a universe unto itself, with its own particularities and complexities. That is why we do not engage in generalizations, although we are aware that in this area, sometimes certain patterns of behavior can be generated that characterize the facts, which may allow us to identify possible legal schemes to deal with the type of situations that we have in front of us.
A good lawyer must be based on facts, without assumptions or abstract interpretations of reality. To do so, he/she must have a team of experts in the investigation who collect the elements that corroborate the indications or circumstantial evidence.
In our firm, we have a team dedicated exclusively to the investigation, and we can determine when a case is legally viable on the way to obtaining compensation. That is, for arguing our position before a court. Our success rate is high. Our professionals have over 30 years in the field.
The main value that promotes all our activities is Service. As a result of this principle, we have positively impacted our community and the legal field. Bringing citizens closer to legal alternatives that help them to recognize their rights. Unrenounceable rights. As expressed by John Locke.
All people, according to Locke, are equal because they are born with certain "inalienable" natural rights. That is, rights that were bestowed by God and are inalienable. "Life, liberty, and property," according to Locke, are three of these fundamental natural rights.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents:
At The Ward Law we do not practice sleight of hand. We do not have a magic ball to identify what might be the causes of an accident of this magnitude. What we do is go by the facts, and over 30 years of experience in the field we have stored valuable information in our databases, which through statistical estimation allows us to identify the most common causes that are linked to bus accidents in Brooklyn and New York.
However, sometimes eventualities can also arise that include two types of some of the following common causes that we are going to share. So, these common cases only help to illustrate a little of the nature of the phenomenon that is the subject of study but does not limit that the facts can be expressed in other ways. That is, there may arise types of accidents with unique particularities, such as school bus accidents or MTA bus accident
, which will also require a unique strategy.
Some of the most common causes we have seen at our law firm in recent years are the following:
- Driver Fatigue: Bus drivers often work long hours and adhere to demanding schedules, leading to driver fatigue. This exhaustion can impair the driver's alertness and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions inside the bus, such as using a phone, adjusting controls, or engaging in conversation, can divert a driver's attention from the road. These distractions compromise their ability to react to changing traffic conditions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a major contributor to bus accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit or travel too fast for road and weather conditions, it significantly increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, high speeds make it harder for drivers to react in time to avoid collisions.
- Inadequate Training: Proper training is essential for bus drivers to handle the unique challenges of operating a large, heavy vehicle. Drivers without adequate training may struggle to manage complex situations, emergency maneuvers, and interactions with passengers, potentially leading to accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Mechanical failures in buses, such as faulty brakes, worn tires, or engine problems, can result in accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent these issues from compromising safety.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. These conditions can contribute to bus accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive or reckless behavior, such as aggressive overtaking, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic, can lead to bus accidents. Drivers engaging in these behaviors pose a danger to themselves and others on the road.
- Running Red Lights: Disobeying traffic signals and running red lights is a common cause of accidents at intersections. When bus drivers fail to obey traffic laws, it can result in dangerous collisions.
- Inadequate Maintenance: Inadequate maintenance of buses can result in vehicle malfunctions, contributing to accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance checks are essential to identify and address potential issues promptly.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Incorrect lane changes without proper signaling or checking blind spots can lead to side-swipe accidents. Bus drivers must exercise caution when changing lanes, especially on busy highways.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Novice bus drivers may lack the experience and skills needed to handle a large vehicle like a bus safely. Inexperience can lead to accidents, especially in challenging driving conditions.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Incidents: Bus drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks and intersections. Failure to do so can result in accidents involving vulnerable road users.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly loaded buses can affect stability and handling. When buses are not loaded correctly, it can increase the risk of rollovers and accidents.
- Blind Spots: Large buses often have significant blind spots, making it crucial for drivers to check their blind spots regularly. Failure to do so can lead to accidents when other vehicles are in these areas.
- Other Driver Negligence: Actions of other drivers, such as sudden lane changes, aggressive driving, or running stop signs, can cause bus accidents. Bus drivers must remain vigilant and be prepared to react to the behavior of other road users.
Understanding Liability in Bus Accidents in New York
Our Brooklyn bus accident lawyers understand that at some point you may have had questions such as: Can an ordinary citizen sue the State if he/she considers that negligence has affected his/her rights? In theory, yes. Although, an evaluation of the case must first be carried out. Consider evidentiary elements, the number of people affected, technical aspects, and identify possible human error.
Do you believe you have been directly affected by negligence when using a bus service in New York? Perhaps you suffered a reckless action by a bus driver? Or do you feel that while using the bus service, your life was in danger because violent people were allowed access to the bus, who put your integrity at risk, hurt you, or caused any damage to some of the passengers?
Each case requires a corresponding evaluation. Do not stay with the doubt, and contact our group of excellent professionals serving the community of Brooklyn and New York at our new office: 535 5th Ave Suite 910, New York, NY 10017.
Some of the theoretical and practical points that we would like to highlight regarding the search for liability in this type of event are the following:
- Negligence as a Basis: In bus accident cases, determining liability often hinges on establishing negligence. This involves proving that one or more parties, such as the bus operator, transportation company, or maintenance crew, breached their duty of care to passengers or other road users.
- Bus Operator's Responsibility: Bus operators have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. If a bus driver's actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running red lights, contribute to an accident, they may be held liable.
- Transportation Company Accountability: Transportation companies are responsible for ensuring the proper training and supervision of their bus drivers. If a company neglects its duty to hire qualified and trained drivers, it can be held liable for accidents caused by its employees.
- Maintenance Crew Obligations: Maintenance crews are responsible for ensuring that buses are in safe working condition. If mechanical failures or maintenance-related issues contribute to an accident, the maintenance crew may bear liability.
- Failure to Conduct Regular Inspections: Regular inspections are essential to identify and address potential mechanical issues. If a transportation company or maintenance crew fails to conduct these inspections, it can be considered negligent.
- Bus Manufacturer Liability: In some cases, liability may extend to the bus manufacturer if a design or manufacturing defect is identified as a contributing factor in the accident.
- Government Entities: If the accident involved a public bus or a bus operating under government contracts, government entities may be held liable for negligence, especially if inadequate maintenance or driver training is a contributing factor.
- Passenger Responsibilities: In some instances, passengers' actions or behaviors can contribute to accidents. If a passenger's actions cause a distraction or interfere with the driver's ability to operate the bus safely, it may affect liability considerations.
- Comparative Negligence: New York follows a comparative negligence system, allowing for proportionate liability. This means that if multiple parties share responsibility for an accident, each party's liability is determined based on their degree of fault.
- Legal Counsel's Role: Legal counsel plays a crucial role in bus accident cases by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and advocating for their client's rights. Having an experienced bus accident lawyer is essential for determining liability and pursuing compensation.
We understand how difficult it may have been to go through such a traumatizing event. No one wants to be on board a vehicle with a large number of people and end up in an accident. In reality, crowds and accidents are two variables that, for the common good should always avoid mixing.
It is normal that you have experienced various emotions that you have not yet been able to channel. We understand that these situations can leave a mark on the victim's state of mind.
By having our support, you will have a holistic approach on your side. We understand these phenomena beyond the legal perspective. The human aspect is our starting point, and it is because of the value of service, we have woven years of experience of justice, giving reason to many of our clients.
Let us accompany you in this process. You will feel lighter with our help. We will see together the best way to justice.