On March 16, 2013, the pregnant head coach of Pennsylvania’s Seton Hill University’s women’s lacrosse team, her unborn child and the team’s bus driver were killed travelling eastbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Lancaster, PA. Several other passengers suffered serious injuries when the tour bus went off the freeway and crashed into a tree. Pennsylvania environmental officials were dispatched to the scene to deal with the vehicle’s diesel fuel leak.
Bus accident claims can be more complex than car accidents. Often, the accident involves multiple parties that might be at fault ― including the bus driver, bus company and, in some cases, a school district or municipality. Many times, the accident occurs outside of the bus’ home state. Adding to this complexity, multiple insurance companies for the various parties may be involved.
Buses are larger than most other motor vehicles and are thus more likely to cause serious damage on impact. Thus, the buses must be well-maintained and driven, to comply with federal safety standards; for example, having adequate seat belts and brakes.
Some accident causes can include:
- Faulty equipment
- Impaired or fatigued driver
- Untrained driver
- Unsafe road conditions
- Unsafe driving by other motorists
Many bus companies have a limited amount of insurance coverage, and it may have to be divided between every injured person. It is crucial to have a good lawyer who can get you your fair share of the company’s coverage and from all other sources of recovery. It is smart to promptly consult an experienced personal injury law firm to completely assess your rights after a bus accident. After the first week, important evidence and witnesses may be lost or much harder to find.
Selecting the right bus accident lawyer may be crucial to your case. Call Rosenn Jenkins and Greenwald LLP today.