Unlike most other vehicles, most busses do not have safety belts. In addition, they are large, slow to come to a stop, and can be very difficult to control. It is for these reasons that bus drivers are required to obtain special licenses that permit them to operate these potentially dangerous vehicles, called commercial drivers licenses. In addition to extra licensure requirements, bus drivers are held to a high standard of care when operating their vehicles. This stands true for other commercial vehicle operators as well, such as taxis and large trucks.
Bus drivers have a duty to each of their passengers to take reasonable precautions to ensure a safe trip. Of course, this includes remaining free from the intoxicating effects of alcohol or drugs, even prescription medications. Additionally, in Maryland and Washington D.C., there is a hand-held device ban in place, prohibiting all drivers from using cellphones for texting or talking while behind the wheel. Bus drivers should constantly keep their full attention on the road, and should refrain from talking to passengers, or talking to other drivers over the radio.
When a bus driver causes an accident that results in injury to his or her passengers, that driver may be held liable for any injuries caused through a Maryland or Washington D.C. negligence lawsuit. In addition, it is also possible that the driver’s employer may also be held liable, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the employer’s involvement, if any. Typically, employer liability may arise when a bus driver is negligent in carrying out his or her assigned duties.
Highway Bus Accident Sends Several Passengers to the Hospital
Earlier this month, roughly a dozen people were hospitalized after the Greyhound bus they were riding on collided with a pickup truck on a Virginia highway. According to one local news report, the bus, which was traveling from New York City to Richmond, rear-ended the pickup truck without any explanation. Police are currently investigating the accident, and have not yet determined if the bus driver will face charges. There is not yet any indication as to how the accident occurred, although the type of accident suggests that driver distraction could be a possibility. Thankfully, none of the hospitalized patients suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland or Washington D.C. Bus Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured after being involved in a Maryland or Washington D.C. bus accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the negligent bus driver or their employer. It is important to keep in mind that even when these cases seem straightforward, an at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely be involved. This can complicate the matter for an accident victim, who runs the risk of accepting an unfair or incomplete settlement. Make sure you have your case analyzed by a skilled attorney prior to accepting any settlement offer. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney.
More Blog Posts:
State Supreme Court Holds “School Activity Bus” Is Not Considered a “School Bus” for Purposes of Governmental Immunity, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 17, 2016.
Logging Truck Driver Loses Control and Flips Rig, Killing One, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 3, 2016.