Common Types of Bus Accidents: Rollovers, Rear-End Collisions, and More

Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. As a passenger on a bus, it’s important to be aware of the common types of bus accidents so that you can take steps to protect yourself. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common types of bus accidents, including rollovers, rear-end collisions, and more.

Rollovers

Rollovers are one of the most dangerous types of bus accidents. This happens when a bus flips onto its side or rolls over completely. Rollovers can be caused by several factors including high speeds, sharp turns, or driver error. When a rollover occurs, passengers may be thrown around inside the bus, leading to serious injuries.

Driver error is often the cause of rollover accidents. For example, if a driver is traveling at an excessive speed or fails to properly negotiate a turn, this may cause the bus to tip over. Other factors that can contribute to a rollover include mechanical failure such as a blown tire or poor road conditions.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions happen when a bus collides with a vehicle traveling in front of it. These types of accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver distraction, fatigue, or a failure to properly maintain the vehicle. Rear-end collisions can result in serious injuries for both bus passengers and the occupants of the other vehicle involved.

Driver distraction is often to blame. If a bus driver is talking on the phone, texting, or otherwise not paying attention to the road, they may not notice that the vehicle in front of them has slowed or stopped. In some cases, rear-end collisions can be caused by a failure to maintain the brakes on the bus, for example. If the brakes are worn or not working correctly, the bus may fail to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents involving buses can be especially dangerous, as pedestrians have no protection against the weight and force of a large bus. Pedestrian accidents can occur when a bus driver fails to yield to a pedestrian on a crosswalk or when a pedestrian is struck while crossing the street.

One common cause of pedestrian accidents involving buses is driver error. If a bus driver is not paying attention to the road or is driving recklessly, they may not see a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision. Other factors that can contribute to pedestrian accidents include poor visibility, such as in bad weather, and distracted driving.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions can be some of the most catastrophic types of bus accidents. These occur when a bus collides with another vehicle or object head-on, often at high speeds. Head-on collisions can be caused by several factors, including error on the part of the driver, driver fatigue, poor or unsafe road conditions, or vehicle mechanical failure.

Head-on collisions involving buses are often the result of driver error. For example, if a driver is traveling in the wrong lane or fails to properly negotiate a curve in the road, this may lead to them colliding with another vehicle head-on. Other factors that can contribute to head-on collisions include poor visibility, such as in fog or heavy rain, or mechanical failure such as brake failure or a blown tire.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions occur when a bus is hit on the side by another vehicle. These types of accidents can be particularly dangerous for bus passengers, as the force of the impact can cause the bus to tip over or roll over completely. Side-impact collisions can be caused by a number of factors including poor road conditions or driver error.

One common cause of side-impact collisions involving buses is failure to yield correctly. For example, if a driver does not yield at a red light, they may collide with a bus that is traveling through the intersection. Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone when driving, can also lead to side-impact collisions along with poor road conditions such as debris or potholes on the road.

Bus-Involved Single Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents involving buses can occur when a bus collides with an object, such as a utility pole or tree, or when a driver loses control of the bus and crashes. These types of accidents can be caused by driver error, poor road conditions such as heavy rain or ice, or mechanical error, such as a blown tire or brake failure.

Driver error is often one of the most common causes of single vehicle accidents. For example, if a driver is traveling at an excessive speed or fails to navigate a turn correctly, they may lose control of the bus and crash.

Preventing Bus Accidents

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all bus accidents, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of an accident occurring. One of the most important steps is to ensure that bus drivers are properly trained and licensed. Drivers should be trained in defensive driving techniques, as well as proper vehicle maintenance and inspection.

Along with driver training, it’s important to ensure that buses are properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis. This includes checking the brakes, tires, and other crucial components of the bus to ensure that they are in good working order.

Passengers can also take steps to protect themselves while riding on a bus. This includes wearing seat belts if they are available and staying seated while the bus is in motion. Passengers should also avoid standing or walking around the bus while it is moving and should use caution when entering or exiting.

Been Injured in a Bus Accident?

Have you been injured in a bus accident? At William J Luse, our skilled team of personal injury lawyers is ready to help you fight your case and get the compensation you deserve. Whether you were another driver, a bus passenger, or a pedestrian, we know that these accidents can have a huge impact on your life and wellbeing and are here to help you turn things around.

Visit our office at 917 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Call now for a free consultation on (843) 839-4795.