How do bus accidents happen, and who is responsible?

A:

If you or someone you know were injured in a Texas bus crash, you may be wondering who should be held responsible.  There are many factors that can contribute to a crash, but here are some things that should be taken into consideration after a bus accident:

•  Was the bus driver on any legal or illegal drug that might have affected his ability to drive safely?  Even some legal prescription drugs can contribute to accidents.
•  Was the bus driver intoxicated at the time of the crash?
•  Does the bus driver have a clean safety record and the appropriate license?  Some drivers are allowed to continue driving buses even though they have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or even if they have been involved in previous accidents or traffic violations.
•  Was the bus carrier properly licensed at the time of the accident?  Some buses operate interstate illegally, as they are trying to get around state or federal safety regulations.  There have also been cases of carriers shutting down operations under one name and resuming business under a different name to avoid fixing regulatory issues.
•  Was maintenance on the bus performed as required?  Did any mechanical issues contribute to the crash?  Quite simply, poorly maintained buses are more likely to cause crashes.

There are many more potential contributing factors that are taken into consideration after a serious bus accident.  You can learn more by discussing your bus crash case with an experienced attorney at our firm.