Bus Accidents

According to the American School Bus Council, school buses are designed to be safer than even passenger vehicles. Although this may be true, little is said regarding the safety of other drivers on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that school bus drivers are some of the most highly screened and well-trained drivers on the road. Their driving records are frequently checked, they are randomly tested for alcohol and drugs, and they are trained to perform emergency medical procedures.

While no system is foolproof, school buses are safer than most vehicles of their size on the road. Conversely, city buses, charter buses, and other types of buses are not held to as high of standards—making them dangerous commercial vehicles.

For example, take city buses which operate on a strict deadline. It is the job of the bus driver to get their passengers to the next stop on time; sometimes, this comes at the risk of safety.

Bus Driver Training

In order to become a bus driver, an individual must pass their CDL test. While the requirements differ for each state, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 did much to regulate the commercial vehicle industry. All commercial vehicles are different, which is why depending on what truck the driver is going to drive, they will have to pass additional tests.

Commercial drivers, such as individuals who drive buses, will also need to go through additional training and meet certain requirements. For example, because bus drivers interact with the people they are transporting, they will be tested for their people skills. Their hearing ability will also be tested to ensure that they can hear a forced whisper from five feet away without a hearing aid. Finally, their vision will be tested to ensure that it is at least 20/40.

For more information on the qualifications and standards for commercial drivers, click here.

Filing Claims Against a City vs. a Private Company

Depending on what type of bus was involved, you may have a claim against either the city or a private company. Many people wrongly believe that they have little hope in filing claims against the city, but this is simply not true. You may very well be able to obtain a settlement if you were injured while traveling on a city bus, as a pedestrian, or as a passenger of another vehicle. Conversely, you may also have a claim against a private tourism company or other independent transportation agency.

To learn more about your claim, contact Arnold & Itkin today!