Bus Accident Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Bus crashes can be caused by many different factors and sometimes have more than one cause. It is very likely that your bus crash wasn’t an unpreventable incident and that one or more parties are liable for your injuries. A bus accident attorney in Philadelphia can help get to the bottom of how and why your accident happened and who is at fault.

Bus Driver Fatigue

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a report finding insufficient sleep to be a public health issue partially because of the increased likelihood of accidents. Just like the lack of sleep can impact your ability to operate a car and cause a car accident, a lack of sleep for a bus driver can affect his or her ability to drive a bus safely. In fact, this issue can be compounded by the extra attention and knowledge required to operate a larger vehicle as opposed to a car.

Speeding

Since both city and coach buses are larger and heavier vehicles, they require more stopping time and distance. They can also cause more damage when an accident occurs. Drivers who operate buses need to be especially diligent to follow the speed limit and even drive below the speed limit when weather and road conditions demand it. If they fail to do so, it’s likely that bus drivers or their employers can be held liable for any accident they cause.

Unruly Passengers

Not only must a bus driver drive safely, but they also have a duty to maintain safety and order on the bus. If, after providing a warning, passengers continue unruly behavior, the bus driver is well within their rights to stop and demand that they get off the bus. If they need assistance, they can contact the police or the company that runs the bus line.

Drug and Alcohol Use

Bus passengers and other motorists are put at serious risk when a bus driver uses alcohol or drugs and drives. Even though they are likely subject to random and mandatory testing, some bus drivers still are under the influence of these substances when they get behind the wheel.

Faulty Equipment

Motorcoaches and city buses are complicated vehicles, making them expensive and time-consuming to maintain. Unfortunately, this fact causes many bus companies to cut corners to save time and money. They skip out on necessary maintenance and repairs, putting other innocent people at risk. If one of these people were you or someone you loved, a seasoned Philadelphia bus accident lawyer can assist you in holding them accountable for the pain and loss you are suffering.

A serious bus accident can cause various losses, including significant injuries, pain, hefty medical bills, and lost wages. If your injury arose due to the negligence of someone else, you should be compensated for any losses as a result of your accident.

The party or parties found liable for your injuries are legally obligated to pay your damages. Your Philadelphia bus accident attorney will evaluate your case and determine who is at fault for the accident. Some of the parties who could be held liable for a bus accident include:

• The bus driver
• The bus company
• The owner of the bus
• The manufacturer of the bus or its parts
• Other drivers on the road
• Other passengers
• Municipalities responsible for road conditions, lights, or signage

A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that in 15 of the 19 cases they examined, bus drivers were liable for the accident. These accidents usually resulted from the driver’s failure to recognize the dangerous situation leading up to the crash in time to avoid the collision due to distraction.

If you suffered an injury while riding a motorcoach, a city bus, or any other kind of bus, you should get in touch with a Philadelphia bus accident attorney as soon as possible. You have a limited amount of time to file a claim. In addition, waiting to start your claim could result in the loss or destruction of evidence critical to your case. For these reasons, it’s essential that you contact a bus accident lawyer in Philadelphia as soon as possible after a crash.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is usually two years as per Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 § 5524. If your claim is against a city (such as is the case with a city bus), county, or state government agency, you must file a notice of intent to sue within six months.

After being injured in a motorcoach bus or city bus accident, you need a bus accident lawyer in Philadelphia on your side who will advocate for your rights. You need an attorney who is not afraid to stand up to large bus companies and their insurers.

At Mattiacci Law, LLC, we are here to serve your legal needs after a truck accident, and you won’t pay us anything until we win your case. We have assisted our clients in recovering ten of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, and have helped win multi-million dollar verdicts in bus accident cases. Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us today to schedule your case evaluation at 215-709-7915 or reach us online.