Hialeah Bus Accident Attorney

Some common types of bus accident which our experienced Hialeah bus accident attorney see include: 

1. Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions occur when a bus and another vehicle collide front-to-front. These accidents are often severe due to the high speeds and forces involved. They can result from factors like driver fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving, where the bus driver or the other vehicle’s driver veers into oncoming traffic.
2. Turning Left: Left-turn accidents happen when a bus turns left and collides with another vehicle. These accidents often occur at intersections and can be caused by misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic, not yielding the right of way, or obscured visibility due to blind spots.
3. Turning Right: Right-turn accidents occur when a bus turns right, hitting a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle. These accidents can result from failing to check blind spots, not signaling appropriately, or misjudging the space needed to make the turn safely.
4. Vehicle Broadsides Bus: A broadside, or T-bone, is an accident in which a vehicle crashes into the side of a bus. This often occurs at intersections, usually when one driver runs a red light or stop sign. The severity is amplified due to the large side area of the bus, which can lead to multiple passenger injuries.
5. Bus Broadsides Vehicle: This type of accident occurs when a bus hits the side of another vehicle, typically at an intersection. Causes include the bus driver running a red light or stop sign or failing to yield when making a turn. The significant mass and momentum of a bus can cause catastrophic damage to the smaller vehicle.
6. Vehicle Rear Ends Bus: Rear-end collisions happen when a vehicle crashes into the back of a bus. These accidents can occur if the bus stops suddenly and the vehicle behind cannot stop in time, often due to following too closely driver inattention or slippery road conditions.
7. Bus Rear Ends Vehicle: When a bus rear-ends another vehicle, it often results from the bus driver not maintaining a safe following distance, driver distraction, or brake failure. Given the size and weight of a bus, these collisions can cause significant damage and injuries to the vehicle’s occupants ahead.
8. Side Swipe: Side swipe accidents involve a bus and another vehicle scraping against each other while traveling in the same or opposite directions. These can be caused by improper lane changes, failure to check blind spots, or drifting out of the lane.
9. Loading Zone Entry/Exit: Accidents can occur when buses enter or exit loading zones. These accidents often involve pedestrians or cyclists and can be caused by the bus driver not paying adequate attention, rushing, or other vehicles not yielding to the bus.
10. Bus Cut Off by Vehicle: When another vehicle cuts off a bus, the bus driver may have to swerve or brake suddenly to avoid a collision, potentially leading to accidents. This aggressive driving behavior by other motorists is a significant risk factor for bus accidents.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can be attributed to a variety of causes, each contributing to the high risk and severity of these incidents:

1. Bus Company Negligence: Bus companies may neglect proper maintenance, training, and adherence to safety regulations to cut costs. This negligence can lead to mechanical failures or poorly trained drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
2. Bus Driver Negligence: Bus drivers may disregard safety laws, engage in distracted driving, or lack adequate training. Driver fatigue, mainly due to conditions like sleep apnea, significantly raises the risk of accidents. Poor judgment, inexperience, and failure to follow traffic laws can also contribute to crashes.
3. Bus Driver Fatigue: Fatigue is a leading cause of accidents, often exacerbated by long hours and inadequate rest. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired decision-making abilities, which can lead to severe accidents.
4. Bad Weather: Inclement weather, such as rain, fog, or snow, can make driving hazardous. Due to their size and weight, buses are more difficult to maneuver and stop in bad weather, increasing the likelihood of accidents if drivers are not adequately trained for such conditions.
5. Blind Spots: Buses have significant blind spots that can obscure other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Failure to properly check these blind spots before changing lanes or turning can result in collisions.
6. Left Turns: Making left turns can be particularly dangerous for buses due to limited visibility and blind spots. Incorrect judgments about oncoming traffic speed and gaps can lead to accidents, often at intersections.
7. Other Drivers: Negligence by other drivers, such as distracted driving, aggressive driving, or failure to yield, can cause bus accidents. Given the bus’s size, such collisions can result in severe damage and injuries.
8. Bus Fires: Fires can occur due to mechanical failures, such as engine compartment fires or tire issues. Proper maintenance can prevent most bus fires, but when they do occur, they pose a significant risk to passengers due to the potential for rapid spread and difficulty in evacuation.
9. Tires: Under-inflated or poorly maintained tires can lead to blowouts or fires, especially at high speeds. Proper tire maintenance is crucial to prevent such accidents.

Determining the exact cause of a bus accident is critical for identifying liability and ensuring that victims receive appropriate compensation. Our skilled and experienced Hialeah bus accident lawyers meticulously investigate each accident to uncover the contributing factors and hold the responsible parties accountable.