Unlike private car accidents, bus accidents usually involve more people. The average number of people injured in a bus accident is estimated to be 10. In contrast, private cars can only carry an average of half that number of passengers.
Bus accidents involve more people on board since these public service vehicles facilitate the movement of many people who travel through Brooklyn and New York State in general and wish to avoid the mishaps of driving a private car in the big city. This means saving significant time by no longer looking for a parking place or dealing with traffic hold-ups.
Public buses often have special routes, with authorized stops and routes crossing the skyscraper state's arteries. In 2020, very few people used public transportation due to COVID-19. However, in 2021, the number of people using the subway and buses has increased. 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, 45% more 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: 234 local bus routes, 20 Select Bus Service routes, and 73 express bus routes in the five boroughs.
Many people use public transportation in Brooklyn. However, public transit is not as popular in other areas with more suburbs. 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, inevitably, several people will not be involved at the same time due to the massive nature of the service. There may be several questions about these types of events. 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 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 to determine the best legal alternatives.
Each case is a universe with its particularities and complexities. That is why we do not engage in generalizations. However, we are aware that in this area, certain patterns of behavior can be generated that characterize the facts, which may allow us to identify possible legal schemes to deal with the situations 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.
The Ward Law Group has a team dedicated exclusively to the investigation. We can determine when a case is legally viable for obtaining compensation or arguing our position before a court. Our success rate is high, and our professionals have over 30 years of experience in the field.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents:
At The Ward Law Group, 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. We 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 linked to bus accidents in Brooklyn and New York.
However, sometimes eventualities can also arise, including two common causes that we will 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. There may arise types of accidents with unique particularities, such as school or MTA bus accidents, 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 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 and compromise their ability to react to changing traffic conditions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a major contributor to bus accidents. Driving exceeding the speed limit or traveling too fast for road and weather conditions significantly increases the risk of accidents. Also, high speeds make it harder for drivers to react quickly 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 passenger interactions, 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 are dangerous 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. Bus drivers failing to obey traffic laws 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 to safely handle a large vehicle like a bus. 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 must 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 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. The maintenance crew may be liable if mechanical failures or maintenance-related issues contribute to an accident.
- Failure to Conduct Regular Inspections: Regular inspections are essential to identify and address potential mechanical issues. It can be considered negligent if a transportation company or maintenance crew fails to conduct these inspections.
- Bus Manufacturer Liability: In some cases, liability may extend to the bus manufacturer if a design or manufacturing defect is identified as contributing to the accident.
- Government Entities: If the accident involved a public bus or a bus operating under government contracts, government entities may be liable for negligence, especially if inadequate maintenance or driver training is a contributing factor.
- Passenger Responsibilities: Sometimes, 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. An experienced bus accident lawyer is essential for determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Contact a Brook Bus Accident Attorney
The Ward Law Group understands how difficult it may have been to endure such a traumatizing event. No one wants to be on board a vehicle with many people and end up in an accident. In reality, crowds and accidents are two variables that, for the common good, should always avoid mixing.
Normally, you have experienced various emotions that you have not yet been able to channel. We understand that these situations can affect 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 that we have woven years of experience of justice, giving reason to many of our clients.
Let us accompany you in this process. With our help, you will feel lighter. We will see together the best way to justice. Call us today at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation!