Public buses are an inexpensive and convenient way to get around the city and are often used by commuters as part of an eco-friendly way to save on gas.
City bus operators may drive hundreds of miles daily over all kinds of road surfaces, including construction zones or inclement weather. All this travel quickly adds up, and city buses experience more wear and tear than most other types of vehicles.
The cities or municipalities responsible for administering the bus lines ensure that each vehicle is safe for travel. Improperly maintained buses are more dangerous to drive and can cause accidents that a driver may not be able to avoid.
In these cases, your bus
accident lawyer may look at the driver and the city, inspecting safety training for operators and the maintenance records of the bus involved.
Your bus accident lawyer may also question any third-party maintenance providers who may not have properly fixed or serviced the bus.
A private or charter bus is a commercial vehicle available for rent as part of tours for a club or other organization to transport students long distances for school trips, tournament games, or for private individuals who want to go on a road trip together.
Even though charted motorcoaches are used for private business, their operation is still overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which means that drivers and bus charter companies must adhere to strict safety guidelines.
If you’ve been involved in a crash with a motorcoach, your bus accident lawyer will investigate how closely the company was following those regulations.