According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 274 people lost their lives in bus accidents across the United States in 2017, and an additional 25,000 suffered injuries. The most recent data available for Tennessee bus accidents by county, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety, reveals that between 2006 and 2008, Davidson County ranked among the top three counties in its district all three years.
If you or someone you love suffered serious or fatal injuries in a collision with a bus in Davidson County, a Nashville bus accident lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at 800-921-7227 to discuss your case with our legal team.
Factors That Can Contribute To Bus Accidents
As with any motor vehicle collision, many factors can contribute to bus accidents. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) found in a crash causation survey that driver error plays a role in the large majority of accidents. Some of the most prevalent driver errors that lead to accidents include:
- Inadequate surveillance
- Driver distraction
- Inattention
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Illegal maneuver
- Tailgating
- Overcompensation
- Poor directional control
Fatigue also results in many accidents, particularly at night, and those that involve buses often cause extensive damage. If another person caused the bus collision that left you with injuries or claimed the life of your loved one, a Nashville bus accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue financial awards.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Nashville, call 800-921-7227
Bus Accidents May Increase the Risk of Injury to Victims
While car and bus drivers may commit some of the same errors that lead to an accident, bus accidents often have more severe consequences. For this reason, drivers in Tennessee must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to legally operate a bus, which requires rigorous training and certification.
Those seeking a CDL must undergo background checks and complete various knowledge and skills tests. Upon completion of the program, bus drivers accept the responsibility of protecting the safety of those around them by practicing prudent driving habits. When they fail to do so, serious injuries and fatalities can occur.
Size and Weight of Buses
Buses weigh substantially more than passenger vehicles, so they pose a greater risk to smaller vehicles on the road. The size and weight of buses give them a much longer braking time than lighter vehicles, which increases the risk for drivers in front of the bus. Because of their longer wheel bases, buses also need more space to turn and can easily collide with other vehicles if drivers do not use proper caution.
Multiple-Vehicle Accidents
Because of their length and increased braking time, buses also have an increased risk of involving multiple vehicles when accidents occur. Even after the initial collision, bus drivers may have a difficult time bringing the bus to a complete stop or moving it out of the way of traffic. This may lead to chain-reaction accidents involving many vehicles.
Impact of the Bus on Other Vehicles
The NHTSA says that children have a substantially higher chance of making it to school safely on a bus than they do in another vehicle because:
- The government regulates school buses more comprehensively than any other vehicle
- Their design decreases the risk of passenger injury
- Stop-arm laws keep other vehicles from passing school buses as they pick up or drop off children
However, a bus often presents a greater risk to passengers of lighter vehicles. If a bus driver caused the accident that led to your injuries or the loss of a loved one, a Nashville bus accident attorney may be able to help you seek financial recovery. Contact the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at any time, and we will respond as soon as possible to discuss your case with you.
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You May Qualify for Compensation in Your Bus Accident Case
The types of financial awards you may qualify for depend on the circumstances of your case, such as the extent of your injuries, whether you had to take time off work, and available insurance coverage. A lawyer may be able to help you pursue recovery in your case, which may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and other related healthcare expenses
- Lost wages for time missed at work
- Loss of future income if you cannot return to work as a result of your injuries or lost a loved one in the accident who provided you with financial support
- Pain and suffering, such as permanent disfigurement or mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses if a loved one suffered fatal injuries
An attorney cannot guarantee an award amount, but they can help you evaluate your damages and seek adequate compensation.
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Tennessee Statutes of Limitations on Bus Accident Claims
In Tennessee, victims of bus accidents and their family members only have one year from the date of the accident or the date of their loved one’s passing to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the liable party for losses resulting from the collision, per TN Code § 28-3-104. This means that the parties must either settle the claim within one year or the claimant must file a lawsuit before that time frame passes. A lawyer may be able to help you determine how much time you have left to file a claim and get started on your case right away to help you avoid potential delays.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today to Get Started
If you or a loved one suffered a serious or fatal injury in a Nashville bus accident that occurred at no fault of your own, a Nashville bus accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help you hold the liable party accountable for your damages. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so we do not charge you anything unless we win compensation for you. Contact us today at 800-921-7227 to discuss your free case evaluation with our legal team.
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