Top 4 Causes of Bus Accidents in Cook County

 Posted on December 23, 2021 in Personal Injury

Bus accidents have the potential to be very dangerous and injure a lot of people at once. Passengers inside typically lack seatbelts and are vulnerable to being thrown during a crash. Those who were standing on a crowded bus are in particular danger of being seriously injured. Personal vehicles do not stand a chance in a collision with a heavy bus, which puts others on the road at extreme risk when the bus does not operate safely. The responsibility of a bus driver to drive safely is crucial because bus accidents can be so devastating.

Unfortunately, not every driver or every bus company takes that duty seriously enough. If you were hurt in a bus accident, it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as you can so he can begin preserving evidence right away.

What Careless Practices Lead to Bus Crashes?

Buses are not easy vehicles to drive. They are large, cumbersome, and make wide turns. It can be difficult to see well at all times. Driving a bus safely requires focus and proper training. The bus company is also responsible for performing routine inspections and maintenance to ensure that a vehicular failure will not cause a wreck. Common reasons bus crashes may happen anyway include:

• Inadequate training - Because buses are so difficult to maneuver, especially in Chicago’s crowded downtown streets, it is critical that all drivers have been properly trained. A bus company could be considered negligent for allowing drivers that are not well-equipped to safely drive these vehicles on the roads.
• Other drivers - It is not uncommon for a reckless driver in a personal vehicle to cause an accident involving a bus. People may try to zip around a bus, underestimate how wide a turn will be, or cut too closely in front of a bus that cannot stop quickly. In this case, the third-party driver may be liable.
• Negligent maintenance - Bus companies are responsible for maintaining their fleet in safe and roadworthy condition. If a part on the bus fails that causes the driver to lose control, a major accident could result.
• Driver distraction - Drivers need to have their eyes on the road, all the time. Buses can be difficult to see well out of, so the person driving it should be focused entirely on the task. Anything from a cell phone to an out-of-control passenger could take the driver’s eyes off the road long enough to have a wreck.

A lot can happen in a very short amount of time during a bus accident. A careful investigation may be needed to piece everything together. The investigation will need to start as soon as possible after the accident, so do not wait too long to get in contact with a lawyer.

Call a Cook County Bus Accident Attorney

If you have been hurt in a bus accident, Gruzmark Law, Ltd. may be able to recover compensation on your behalf. Our skilled Northbrook bus accident lawyers will advocate for you to receive everything you should be entitled to. Call us at 847-729-7660 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/tag/cta-bus-crash/