Public transportation is a daily lifeline for millions of people. But accidents involving public transportation still happen every day. These crashes can cause serious injuries and deaths. This article covers accident types, causes, and key facts. We at Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers help victims as your trusted Oklahoma City personal injury attorney.
What Are Accidents Involving Public Transportation?
Accidents involving public transportation happen when buses, trains, trolleys, or city shuttles crash. These vehicles are common carriers, meaning they carry passengers for a fee and must adhere to strict safety regulations.
Common carriers have a special duty to keep passengers safe. Transit companies must maintain their vehicles properly. They must hire skilled drivers and adhere to all safety regulations. When they fail to do this, passengers and other people can get hurt.
Public transportation systems must keep their vehicles safe every day. This includes regular checks, proper driver training, and following federal safety rules. These steps protect everyone on board and other people on the road.
Common Types of Public Transportation Accidents
Many types of accidents can happen with public transportation vehicles. Common types include:
Bus-Related Accidents:
- Crashes with other vehicles at intersections or on highways
- Collisions with pedestrians at bus stops
- Side-impact crashes occur when other drivers fail to see large buses
- Rear-end accidents involving buses and smaller vehicles
Train and Rail Accidents:
- Derailments that can injure many passengers at once
- Crashes at railroad crossings with other vehicles
- Platform accidents involving people falling onto the tracks
Passenger Injury Incidents:
- Falls that happen when buses make sudden stops or starts
- Injuries while getting on or off vehicles
- Accidents occur when passengers move around inside moving vehicles
- Slips and falls on wet or uneven bus floors
Sudden stops can throw passengers around and cause serious injuries. These incidents often occur without warning and can affect multiple people simultaneously.
Who Is Liable in These Accidents?
Determining liability in public transportation accidents can be hard. Many parties might be responsible for the crash. Government entities that own and run public transit systems can be liable when their carelessness causes accidents. Private companies that work with cities to provide transportation may also face liability.
Motor vehicle maintenance companies that fail to keep buses safe can be held responsible. Other drivers who cause crashes with buses or trains may also be liable. The employer of the bus driver may face responsibility, too. We can help you find all parties who might be responsible for your case.
Fatal Bus Accidents in Oklahoma and Across the U.S.
Fatal bus accidents are some of the worst crashes on our roads. National data shows that dozens of people die in bus crashes each year. These numbers include both passengers and other road users killed in crashes with buses. The Department of Transportation tracks these fatal crashes carefully.
Oklahoma has seen deadly bus accidents involving school buses, transit buses, and charter buses. In Oklahoma City, public transportation is widely used. The risk of serious accidents remains a real concern for residents and visitors. Family members of victims often face significant medical expenses and emotional or financial loss.
The deadliest bus crashes often involve many vehicles or happen at high speeds on highways. These accidents can kill many people and injure others. They affect passengers, people in other vehicles, and pedestrians. Airbags and other safety features help, but crashes can still be deadly.
How Often Do Fatal Bus Accidents Occur?
Bus accident statistics reveal that fatal crashes occur frequently. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that hundreds of people die in bus-related accidents each year. These numbers include passengers, pedestrians, and people in other vehicles. The data shows that these crashes occur more frequently than people think.
School buses are involved in many fatal crashes. But they remain one of the safest ways for children to travel. Transit buses and charter buses also add to these statistics. Church bus accidents can be especially tragic for communities.
Common Causes Behind These Tragic Crashes
Several factors contribute to fatal bus accidents. The main causes include:
Driver-Related Factors:
- Bus drivers who are tired, distracted, or break traffic laws
- Other drivers who cut off buses or fail to yield the right-of-way
- Poor judgment calls during difficult driving situations
Environmental Conditions:
- Weather conditions like ice, snow, or heavy rain make driving harder
- Poor visibility during storms or fog
- Slippery road surfaces that affect vehicle control
Maintenance Issues:
- Poor maintenance leads to mechanical failures and fatal accidents
- Inadequate maintenance is a key factor in many crashes
- Brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine problems
Investigation reports often show that these problems could have been prevented. Many crashes could be prevented with proper training, maintenance, and adherence to safety rules.
Bus Accidents vs. Other Public Transportation Incidents
Bus accidents differ from other public transportation crashes, such as train accidents. Buses drive on regular highways and city streets with other vehicles. This puts them at higher risk for crashes. Train accidents and subway crashes happen in more controlled areas.
Train accidents often involve track problems, signal failures, or mechanical issues. While these can be serious, they happen in safer environments than bus crashes. Buses must deal with traffic, weather conditions, and other drivers. This makes bus travel more risky in some ways.
Bus crashes happen more often than rail incidents. Buses make more stops and interact with pedestrians at bus stops. Charter bus and church bus accidents can be particularly severe because these vehicles often travel long distances on highways at high speeds. The scene of a bus crash is often more complex than other transportation accidents.
Breaking Down Bus Accident Statistics
Recent data indicate that thousands of bus crashes occur annually in the United States. These crashes cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The statistics cover all types of buses, from city transit vehicles to school buses and charter buses. Most bus accidents happen during the day when traffic is heavy.
Driver error, mechanical failures, and crashes with other vehicles are the primary causes of most bus accidents. The data also shows that passengers get hurt more often in sudden stops than in actual crashes. Understanding these statistics helps find where safety improvements are needed most. Data analysts help make buses safer by studying these statistics.
What You Need to Know About Public Transportation Liability Laws
Public transportation liability laws are complex and clearly defined in each state. They vary depending on whether the transportation provider is a government entity or a private company operating the service. Common carrier laws require public transportation companies to provide high-quality care to passengers. This means they can be held liable for injuries caused by negligence.
When filing claims against government entities that run public transportation systems, special rules apply. These include sovereign immunity protections and shorter time limits for filing claims. In Oklahoma, you typically have two years to file a personal injury claim from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities may have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as six months.
Multi-party accidents involving public transportation can be very complicated. Many insurance companies, government agencies, and private parties may all share responsibility. Occupants of other vehicles may also be liable in some cases. This makes it essential to work with us. We understand these complex liability issues through careful analysis of each case. We can help determine who is at fault and whether the accident involved a single fatality or multiple victims. Even cases involving accidents in other states, like California, require different legal approaches.
How Many People Rely on Public Transportation in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City’s public transportation system, called Embark, serves thousands of people daily. The system includes regular bus routes, express services, and special transportation for people with disabilities. This wide usage means any accident involving public transportation can affect many people and their families.
The high number of passengers using public transportation in Oklahoma City emphasizes the importance of safety. When accidents happen, they can impact not only those directly involved but also the broader community. These individuals rely on these services for daily transportation to work, school, and other essential destinations.
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Public Transportation Accident
If you get injured in a public transportation accident, follow these important steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:
- Get medical attention immediately – Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor right away. Some symptoms may not appear immediately. Emergency medical personnel can check your condition and provide necessary treatment.
- Report the incident – Contact the right authorities and the transportation company. This creates an official record of the accident. This record can be important for any future legal proceedings.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the scene if you can. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. These details can be crucial for your case.
- Keep detailed records – Write down all of your injuries and any property damage from the accident. Keep records of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the incident. These records will help with your personal injury claim.
- Avoid giving statements – Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without talking to us first. Insurance companies may use your words against you later.
- Contact an attorney – Reach out to Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible after your accident. We can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. Our team understands the complexities of public transportation accident cases. We will fight for you and your family members who may be affected by your injuries.
Contact an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a bus accident or other public transportation incident, we are here to help. Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling personal injury claims involving public transportation. We understand the unique challenges these cases present.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We will review the details of your accident and explain your legal options. We will help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to receive. Do not wait – call our office now to protect your rights and get the help you need.