Many Maryland and Washington D.C. residents count on public transportation in their daily lives for work and recreation. At a minimum, we expect that public transportation will be safe and reliable. Unfortunately, this was not the case when a metro bus crashed earlier this month, causing significant injuries.
In an event that emergency crews described as a “mass casualty incident,” at least 13 people were injured. Although reports on the extent of the injuries vary, it appears at this time that at least two people were seriously hurt. About seven people had less serious injuries, and one individual refused treatment altogether.
At this time, the cause of the bus accident is unknown. In many cases, however, when a bus crashes, someone is legally responsible. The people injured in the crash—including any people who might have suffered an emotional injury from the trauma of the incident—may have a claim for monetary compensation against those responsible for the accident.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Common causes of bus accidents include negligence on the part of the bus company or the bus driver. For example, a bus company might fail to train or supervise their drivers adequately, or a bus driver might speed or forget to signal in traffic. Other common causes of bus accidents include bus driver fatigue, bad weather, and blind spots. Commonly, bus accidents occur during left turns. Finally, because driving a bus generally requires extensive training and certification, it is not uncommon for another driver to be at fault in the case of a bus accident.
Unfortunately, the bus passengers and anyone else injured in this accident could have physical and emotional injuries for years to come. Often, the extent of one’s injuries stemming from an accident are not apparent at the exact time of the accident. What might have appeared as a simple sprain might in fact be a small tear in a ligament that may require surgery over time. For this reason, attorneys frequently advise their clients to consult a medical professional for a full workup following any type of accident.
Given the rising health care costs, assuming that you will heal on your own or that your injuries are not severe is a financial risk that you may not be able to afford to take. A personal injury attorney can advise you on the best steps to take following an accident.
Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney for Immediate Assistance
If you or a loved one has been injured in a recent Maryland bus accident or other type of motor vehicle accident, someone may be legally responsible for your injuries. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover financial compensation so that you can begin the process of healing. Successful lawsuits can also serve the public by encouraging companies to increase their safety precautions. The Lebowitz & Mzhen legal team has a proven track record of success in navigating these types of lawsuits throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. We invite you to call us at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free, same-day consultation right away.