A Bus accident in Rhode Island often result in severe injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, more than 300 people are killed in bus accidents every year and more than 3,400 are injured. We represent people who were injured or the families of those who have been killed in bus accidents. The types of buses involved in these accidents range from:

• Public transportation buses
• School buses
• Privately chartered buses
• Party buses
• Hotel and ride sharing buses

The types of bus accidents

Most bus accidents  in RI are caused by the negligence of the driver. Many involve collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects. Even an empty bus can easily weigh 30,000 pounds, so an impact with a much smaller car can cause serious injuries or death. Other bus accidents involve passengers who are thrown around inside of the bus as a result of an impact or sudden stop. There aren’t seat belts on almost all buses. Other passengers are injured getting on buses or getting off of them. Some passengers are even hit by the bus they just got off of. Most common of those impacts are buses turning into a passenger after the passenger alighted from the bus or the bus running into a passenger when they got off and walked in front of it.

Causes of bus accidents

Ordinary fatigue and fatigue from driving long trips is the primary cause of most bus accidents. Others involve driver error, drivers who haven’t been adequately trained or buses that haven’t been properly maintained. Rain, ice and snow are certainly contributing factors in many of these accidents. If you were injured in a RI bus collision with a car, motor vehicle or truck then contact a RI bus accident lawyer who specializes in Rhode Island personal injury law.

Types of bus accident injuries

Because nearly all buses don’t have seat belts, when there’s an accident, passengers are often ejected from their seats, thrown into other people, other seats, sides of the bus, windows or even ejected from the bus itself onto the roadway. Victims are usually going to experience multiple injuries from multiple impacts. From all of those impacts, lacerations and bruises are expected, but passengers have also experienced traumatic head and brain injuries, fractures, spinal injuries and joint injuries. These often result in lengthy hospitalizations and one or more surgeries.

Bus accidents, rarely is the injury the fault of the passenger

In bus accidents, rarely is the injury the fault of the passenger. If you or somebody close to you are hurt in a bus accident, you might be eligible for compensation. Contact a Rhode Island bus accident attorney or a RI personal injury lawyer right away after a Rhode Island bus crash for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Bus accidents can occur in various ways

Bus accidents can occur in various ways, and they can result from a combination of factors such as human error, mechanical failure, road conditions, and weather. Here are some common types of bus accidents:

1. Collision with other vehicles:
   • Rear-end collisions: When a bus collides with the vehicle in front of it.
   • Head-on collisions: Occur when a bus crashes into a vehicle coming from the opposite direction.
   • Side-impact collisions: Also known as T-bone collisions, these occur when a vehicle strikes the side of the bus.
2. Rollover accidents:
   • Buses, especially those with a high center of gravity, can be prone to tipping over in certain situations, such as sharp turns or uneven road surfaces.
3. Run-off-road accidents:
   • Buses may leave the roadway and crash into obstacles like trees, poles, or ditches.
4. Pedestrian accidents:
   • Buses may collide with pedestrians, either at bus stops or while crossing the street.
5. Single-vehicle accidents:
   • These accidents involve only the bus and can result from factors like driver error, mechanical failure, or adverse road conditions.
6. Multi-vehicle pile-ups:
   • In situations involving multiple vehicles, buses can be involved in chain-reaction accidents.
7. Mechanical failure:
   • Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to accidents.
8. Driver fatigue:
   • Fatigued or drowsy drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.
9. Weather-related accidents:
   • Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can contribute to accidents.
10. Improper maintenance:
    • Inadequate maintenance of the bus, including issues with brakes, tires, or other critical components, can lead to accidents.
11. Distracted driving:
    • Bus drivers may become distracted by activities like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-vehicle systems, leading to accidents.

It’s important to note that the severity and type of bus accidents can vary widely, and preventive measures such as proper training for drivers, regular vehicle maintenance, and adherence to safety regulations can help mitigate the risks associated with bus transportation.