We see them every day on the way to work. People in cars usually do everything they can to avoid being stuck behind them when they stop to pick up passengers. Others rely on them to get to work or school. Even people that have their own transportation are choosing to use buses over driving to work because of gas prices and the economy. Choosing to take the bus also means less cars on the road, when means less traffic and less gas emissions in our environment. Public transportation in the state of Florida is incredibly important. More and more people are choosing to keep the car at home and take the bus instead. They trust their lives with the transit system and the driver of the bus. The transit bus system is supposed to be a safe form of transportation, but there are unfortunately times that this is not the case.
It is popular belief that public bus accidents are rare, but that is not the case. Even in Florida, bus accidents are more common than most people think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), averages of 1,000 people suffer from injuries every month due to various forms of transit bus accidents.
What are some of the most common causes for a transit bus accident?
- Transit bus may veer off the road or onto another lane where it can hit a car or other vehicle
- When a pedestrian accidentally walks into the lane of the bus
- A bus may be going too fast on wet roads – Florida is known for unpredictable scattered showers
- A bus may suddenly change lanes and collide with another vehicle
- A vehicle may stop in the bus lane or block the bus route
- A bus driver may not see a cyclist
When a public bus is involved in an accident, the result could be catastrophic. There could be large amounts of property damage. People could be injured on the bus they believed was safe. Then there are injuries involving a bus and car crash. With the large discrepancy between the two vehicles, the car will see heavy damage and any passengers run the risk of severe injury or worse. If a person is hit by a bus and they are on their motorcycle, bicycle or walking; there is a likelihood of a bus accident death.
Bus accidents are becoming more and more common in the state of Florida. This is becoming a common news story in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach newspapers – as well as other Florida counties.
If you or a loved one were involved in a bus accident, you need to speak to a law firm so you can understand your rights and options. Contact our Ft. Lauderdale bus accident attorneys for a free consultation and let us answer your questions so you know what to do next.