Metro Bus Accident Causes Serious Injuries

Due to the large size and limited safety restraints typically available on buses, bus accidents can result in serious injuries. Several people suffered injuries in a collision involving a Metro bus and a car in the area of Seventh Street and Elm in Cincinnati recently. For those harmed in that crash, and others who get into bus accidents, the aftermath may involve navigating medical treatments, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding legal rights.

Bus accident.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, call our Ohio motor vehicle accident lawyers at Young, Reverman & Bolotin at 513-400-0000. We will assess the circumstances of your case, and advise you of your options, putting you in the best position possible to pursue compensation for your injury-associated losses. 

Understanding the Impact of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can result in serious injuries for bus drivers and passengers, as well as other motorists. Drivers and passengers in nearby vehicles may suffer harm from the initial impact, flying debris, or secondary collisions caused by the bus’s size and force. 

Several bus passengers suffered minor injuries in the recent Cincinnati bus accident. The driver of the other vehicle was seriously injured. Neither details on the driver’s injuries, nor an update on their condition, were provided.

Some of the most common types of bus and car accident injuries include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in bus accidents, especially for individuals in smaller vehicles or unrestrained passengers. The sudden jolt of impact can cause the head to whip forward and backward, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Victims may experience ongoing pain, reduced range of motion, and headaches. Due to such injuries, victims may require extended recovery periods, as well as treatment, such as physical therapy.

Broken Bones

The significant force of a collision involving a bus often leads to fractures. Motorists in smaller vehicles are particularly vulnerable due to the bus’s size and weight. Passengers may also sustain broken bones if they are thrown against seats, windows, or other passengers. Recovery from fractures can be lengthy, and may require surgery or rehabilitation.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries are among the most severe consequences of bus accidents, and one of the top overlooked injuries after a motor vehicle accident. Motorists, passengers, and bus drivers alike may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries from direct impact or sudden jolts. Symptoms of TBIs can range from mild confusion to long-term cognitive impairments, making immediate medical evaluation essential. 

Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life. Such injuries often occur in high-impact collisions, and can affect bus passengers, drivers, and other motorists. Treatment is complex and may involve surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and lifelong care.

Death

Tragically, bus accidents can result in death. The size and weight of buses can lead to catastrophic damage, particularly in collisions with smaller vehicles. Passengers standing or not wearing seat belts are at a greater risk of fatal injuries during severe impacts. For families who lose a loved one in a bus crash, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming, underscoring the need for support from a wrongful death attorney in Cincinnati to seek justice and compensation.

Common Causes of Bus Crashes and How They Can Be Prevented

While no information was available about the cause of the recent bus accident in Cincinnati, varying factors contribute to the occurrence of collisions involving these mass transit vehicles and smaller cars and trucks. The most common causes of bus accidents include:

Driver Error

Fatigue, distraction, or lack of proper training commonly contribute to bus accidents. Drivers working long hours or under stressful conditions are more likely to make critical mistakes, such as misjudging traffic signals or failing to notice smaller vehicles. 

Negligent Third Parties

Reckless drivers, such as those speeding or tailgating, can cause chain-reaction collisions involving buses. Additionally, poorly managed traffic systems, such as malfunctioning signals or lack of proper signage, can contribute to bus accidents. 

Mechanical Failures

Poor maintenance or defective parts can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions. Regular inspections and adherence to maintenance schedules are essential to ensure buses operate safely.

Poor Road Conditions

Cincinnati’s variable weather, including heavy rain or snow, can create slippery roads that increase the risk of crashes. Potholes, uneven pavement, and insufficient lighting on roads also play a role in crashes.

Overloading

Carrying more passengers than the bus’s capacity can strain the vehicle’s mechanical systems. As such, it may be more difficult to control, especially in emergencies.

There are preventative measures that can be taken to help prevent the occurrence of bus accidents. For instance, implementing enhanced driver training programs and stricter maintenance regulations may help avoid such wrecks. Further, making roadway improvements, increasing oversight, 

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident Injury

If you’re injured in a bus accident in Cincinnati, the steps you take in the moments and days after the crash may impact your health and legal rights. Therefore, after a bus accident, you should:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be the top priority after a bus accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Many injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Additionally, having a medical record of your injuries may prove helpful in the event you choose to pursue a legal action. Be sure to adhere to your treatment plan and to attend all follow-up appointments. Failing to do so could harm your recovery, and weaken your injury claim.

Report the Accident

Collisions involving buses and other motor vehicles should be immediately reported to law enforcement. The police report serves as an official record and can provide crucial evidence for determining liability. 

Exchange Information

Those involved in bus accidents should exchange information, getting the contact information and insurance details for the bus driver and other motorists involved. When exchanging information, you should be polite, but take care to avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you.

If you’re able, speak with any witnesses to the accident, and obtain their contact details. Witness statements can help corroborate your account of the accident and strengthen your case. 

Gather Evidence

Provided you can safely do so, you should gather as much information as possible from the accident scene after a bus crash. The most important information needed in a car accident case includes photos of the bus and other vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. Video recordings may also be helpful in capturing the scene and contributing factors.

Maintain detailed records. To this end, it is helpful to keep records of your medical treatments, expenses, missed workdays, and communications with insurance companies.

Legal Options for Victims of Bus Accidents

In Ohio, victims of bus accidents have several legal avenues to pursue compensation for their injuries. Understanding these options can empower victims and their families to seek the financial recovery they need.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you have been injured in a bus accident, you can file a claim against the responsible parties to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. A Cincinnati personal injury lawyer may help file a claim against the bus company, an individual driver, or a negligent third party involved in the accident. Establishing negligence is crucial in these cases, which may involve proving reckless driving, failure to maintain the vehicle, or other violations or safety standards.

Filing Wrongful Death Claims

When bus accidents result in deaths, family members may file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support. In Ohio, the deceased’s personal representative typically files such cases on behalf of surviving family members.

Filing Against Government Entities

When the buses involved in accidents are owned by government agencies, such as a public transit authority, you may need to follow other legal procedures. These cases involve stricter timelines and requirements compared to claims against private entities.

Claims When There Is Shared Fault

The fault in bus accident cases may be shared by multiple parties, some of which may also be victims. Ohio’s comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation, even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Likewise, you may name multiple liable parties as defendants when filing claims for bus accident injuries.

Navigating the aftermath of a bus accident can be challenging for victims and their families. Our personal injury lawyers at Young, Reverman & Bolotin take on the legal heavy lifting, helping you pursue a claim for damages and advocating on your behalf. To discuss your options in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a bus accident, contact us today at 513-400-0000

Call (513) 400-0000 for a free consultation.

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    Jay A. Bolotin is a partner at the injury law firm of Young, Reverman & Bolotin. Serving the people of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, Jay dedicates his career to helping clients in the tri-state area obtain financial compensation after suffering serious injuries. He focuses his practice on cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, dog bites and animal attacks, and other types of personal injury incidents.

    Years of Experience: More than 25 years
    Registration Status: Active

    Bar Admissions: Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Cincinati Bar Association

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