Decatur is a busy hub for bus traffic, making accidents a common occurrence. Individuals injured in a bus accident often need significant medical treatment, potentially leaving them in serious debt.
However, you should not be on the financial hook for injuries you sustained through no fault of your own. When this happens, you have the right to seek compensation in a lawsuit. Bus drivers and others on the road can cause serious accidents through countless forms of negligence. With our firms help, you can ensure that the evidence you need is gathered and a clear picture of the other party’s negligence is made so that you recover the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation with our bus accident lawyers, call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
Typical Causes of Bus Accidents in Decatur, AL
Individuals in Decatur can be injured in a bus accident in numerous ways. However, there are some causes for bus accidents that are more typical than others. While many bus accidents are due to someone’s negligence, others can be caused by environmental and road conditions, making liability hard to determine. The following are the most common ways bus accidents happen in Decatur:
Failure to Follow Traffic Laws
One of the most common causes of bus accidents in Decatur is ignoring traffic laws. This can include speeding, reckless driving, and failure to yield the right of way, leading to collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. To prevent these types of accidents, bus drivers should adhere to the posted speed limits, maintain a safe following distance when around other vehicles, and be cautious when approaching intersections.
Distracted Driving
Bus accidents are also more likely to occur when drivers are distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or checking the various displays that many buses now have. Distracted driving reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to changing road conditions and increases the likelihood of accidents. To prevent distracted driving, bus drivers should avoid using electronic devices while driving and focus solely on the road. Passengers can also cause distractions if they are trying to have unnecessary conversations with the driver or are causing an incident while the bus is traveling.
Mechanical Failures
Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause a bus to lose control and result in an accident. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for preventing mechanical failures that could lead to crashes. Bus companies should ensure their vehicles undergo routine maintenance checks and address any issues promptly. This responsibility is also usually placed on the bus driver, who should inspect their vehicle before taking it into service.
Poor Weather Conditions
Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or fog, can affect visibility and road conditions, greatly increasing the likelihood of a bus accident in Decatur. Bus drivers should exercise caution during adverse weather conditions by reducing speed, increasing the following distance, and using appropriate lighting. Due to the size of most buses, they can easily lose grip on the surface of the road when slick with rain, potentially causing the bus to roll over on its side.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly marked lanes or intersections also contribute to bus accidents in Decatur. Local authorities should prioritize road repair and maintenance to create safer driving conditions for all road users. Bus drivers can help by staying vigilant and navigating around potential hazards when possible. However, even the most vigilant bus driver might not see every road hazard in their way. In these cases, it might be necessary to sue the state or local government agency responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to be involved in accidents due to reduced reaction times and impaired decision-making abilities. The implementation of drug and alcohol testing for bus drivers can help prevent these types of accidents. However, it is not unheard of for bus drivers to take certain substances to help them stay focused, but it can actually affect their ability to make good decisions while behind the wheel. If a bus company hires a driver with a known history of impaired driving, they should be held to account for their negligent decision along with the driver that caused the accident.
Evidence Used to Prove a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Decatur, AL
In a Decatur bus accident lawsuit, various types of evidence play a crucial role in proving your case and helping you recover the compensation you deserve. By understanding the nature and importance of each type of evidence that will likely be used in your case, you can ensure that you have the necessary documentation to support your claims. The evidence used in your case will tell the story of how you were injured and why the defendant is liable for your damages.
Accident Reports
Accident reports are official documents typically created by law enforcement officers who respond to the scene of an accident. These reports will usually include details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, and other contributing factors their investigation turns up. Further, accident reports can provide crucial information about the circumstances surrounding the accident and help establish the sequence of events that led to the crash. Police accident reports are not the only ones that might be of use, as most bus companies will also make a report of an accident for their records.
Medical Records
Your medical records will also play a crucial role in your case. Medical records document an individual’s injuries, treatments, and medical expenses related to the accident. These records are important as they will demonstrate the extent of a victim’s injuries, the cost of their medical care, and any ongoing or future medical needs resulting from the accident. Without your medical records, you will not be able to accurately calculate your financial losses, so it is crucial to get medical care immediately after being injured in a bus accident.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitness accounts can offer valuable insights into the accident’s circumstances and help corroborate your version of events. Individuals who witnessed the accident can provide details regarding what they saw, heard, or experienced during the event. Eyewitness testimony can then be presented during the trial to help support your claims and establish the defendant’s negligence.
Photo and Video Evidence
Lastly, photo and video evidence can help illustrate the severity of your bus accident and provide a clear picture of the circumstances involved. This evidence can be recorded on your smartphone and stored for later use. If the defendant in your case tries to downplay the severity of the accident, photos and videos can quickly undermine those claims, which will build your credibility with the court while simultaneously lowering theirs.
Our Decatur, AL Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help
Contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free assessment of your case with our bus accident lawyers.
