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Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries to passengers, motorists, and pedestrians alike. Knoxville bus accident attorney Mark C. Hartsoe is a skilled personal injury lawyer with over twenty years of experience representing accident victims, including those injured in bus collisions. If you were injured or lost a relative in a bus accident, speak with us today to see how the Hartsoe Law Firm can help you.
Bus Accidents in the U.S. and TennesseeBuses are a major source of transportation for millions of Americans. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, over 750 million passengers board buses annually. Because of their size and the number of passengers they carry, accidents that involve a bus can be catastrophic. They transport large numbers of passengers at a time, which can lead to a significant number of injuries and deaths in an accident. In 2010, there were 27,000 individuals injured in bus accidents and 246 fatalities, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. There were over four hundred injuries as a result of bus accidents in Tennessee in 2012. Passengers are injured due to structural bus damage and ejections. The injuries can be severe, long-term, and sometimes life-threatening.
Liability for Bus AccidentsBus accidents are complex, and the careless acts of more than one person or entity may be the cause of the accident. In Tennessee, all motorists have a duty of care when operating their vehicles. Bus drivers and bus companies, however, must exercise a higher duty of care to ensure the safety of their passengers. This includes not only safe driving on the part of the bus driver, but also bus inspection and proper maintenance on the part of the bus company. A range of federal regulations govern bus operation to ensure the safety of passengers. Despite the heightened level of care and government regulations, a negligent bus driver or bus company may still cause a catastrophic collision.
A bus accident may not be limited to a single cause. It is important to promptly gather and sort through the evidence to find who is at fault. Several factors may lead to a bus accident, including:
- Driver-related factors, such as speed, fatigue, or failure to yield the right-of-way
- Vehicle deficiencies, such as a defective tire or lack of maintenance
- Dangerous roadway conditions
The negligence of several parties may cause an accident. If a bus accident was caused by the reckless actions of one or more parties, they may be held accountable for any injuries that result from the accident.
DamagesIf you were involved in a bus accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. It is important to conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify which parties caused the accident and are liable for your injuries. Once the negligent parties are identified, you can potentially file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for your medical bills, any extended long-term care, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Bus accidents can also result in death. You may file a wrongful death claim if you lost a relative in a bus accident. This can allow you to recover for your loved one’s pain and suffering, medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of consortium.
Dedicated Personal Injury AttorneyIf you or a relative were injured in a bus accident, Knoxville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help you. Mr. Hartsoe has represented families and individuals in Tennessee for over twenty years. He will investigate the accident and gather all needed information to determine who is at fault, and who should be held accountable for your injuries. Mr. Hartsoe will work with you to achieve a settlement with the parties responsible or represent you if the case goes to trial. Call us today at 865-804-1011 or reach us online to see how we can help you.
