Buses are still a very popular and frequent mode of travel, but it is critical that people are aware of the dangers posed by bus accidents, and how frequently they may occur.
The Virginia Highway Safety Office claims that over 500 bus crashes occurred in Virginia in 2012. Over 10% of those crashes were linked to traffic violations—failure to yield, improper turns and following too closely.
Most troubling is the fact that nearly 100% of these crashes involved vehicles with “No Defect;” driver error appeared to be the driving factor behind nearly all crashes (this disturbing fact is made clearer by the data showing almost 80% of crashes occurred in daylight, not at night when visibility was lessened, and that nearly 90% of the crashes were listed as occurring in “No Adverse Condition,” or in perfect weather). Over 150 passengers were injured by these crashes, most of them between 56-60 years old.
Nationwide, there were 3608 bus crashes in 2011, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Bus crashes are dangerous
For one, buses contain far more passengers than the average car, meaning a serious accident can injure a great number of people.
Secondly, buses are far larger, more powerful vehicles; this may lessen the chance of those on the bus getting injured, but it means that drivers in “normal” vehicles may be injured far more.
And of course, a bus’s power means that it may operate in a crash with far more devastation than a smaller vehicle—a sedan might just scrape the side of a bridge, while a bus may plow directly through it.
Injured in a Bus Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a Virginia bus accident you may want to contact a commercial vehicle accident lawyer. My Virginia-based personal injury law firm represents automobile accident victims; we know the tricks that negligent individuals and insurance companies will use to avoid paying you the compensation, and we know how to fight for you. A car accident is a terrifying experience; and if it wasn’t your fault, it shouldn’t have to be a bankrupting one, as well.
Statute of Limitations (Deadlines)
Under Virginia law, it is necessary to file a lawsuit within strict deadlines imposed by law. In many cases, Virginia provides for a two-year deadline also known as a Statute of Limitations. However, special circumstances may apply which are dependent upon the accident. Once you have missed this deadline, you will no longer be able to file a claim.
Virginia Bus Accident Lawyer
Immediate investigation often makes the difference between winning and losing a bus injury case. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C. conducts immediate investigations to identify crucial witnesses and preserve important evidence. Delays in an investigation can destroy your case because evidence is often lost and key witnesses can become very difficult to locate over time.
