Fayetteville, AR Razorback Transit Accident Lawyer
If you are a student that resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas, you have likely made use of Razorback Transit to travel to class, buy groceries, or to enjoy a day of shopping. While this transportation system is invaluable to students, that does not mean that they are less likely to cause a car accident. If you or a family member was injured while utilizing Razorback Transit, you should consult with an experienced Fayetteville Razorback Transit Accident lawyer.
Personal injury lawyer Ken Kieklak has served residents of Fayetteville in complex motor vehicle accident cases for decades, and he would be proud to work with you. The Kieklak Law Firm is invested in learning the intricate details of every client’s claim to provide them with the legal representation they deserve. You do not have to handle your injury case alone, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 316-0438 to schedule a free legal consultation.
3 Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents are dangerous for every person involved. Whether you are driving a passenger vehicle, riding the bus, or crossing a street when you are struck by a bus, your injuries are likely to be severe. Even if the driver of a bus was traveling at a low rate of speed when they caused an accident, being hit by a vehicle that can weigh up to 44,000 pounds can cause anyone a severe injury.
The following is a list of common causes of bus accidents.
Driver Error
Buses are large vehicles that are slow and difficult to maneuver, especially while driving on tight city streets. For these reasons, it is important for a transit company to hire and adequately train employees before allowing them to transport passengers across the city. Unfortunately, it is practically impossible to know whether a company like Razorback Transit or a similar company properly trained their drivers until an accident occurs.
A bus driver can cause a serious accident by committing any of the following actions while driving:
- Speeding
- Drinking or using drugs
- Texting or speaking on the phone
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Taking an incorrect route
Driver Fatigue
During the fall and spring college semesters, Razorback Transit buses operate ten bus routes from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays. With these long hours of operation, it is legally expected that drivers will not exceed state or federal guidelines for hours of service. These guidelines are developed to ensure that a bus driver does not become exhausted while driving which can make decrease the speed of their reactions or potentially cause them to fall asleep at the wheel.
Some transit companies may pressure drivers to work longer hours, or a bus driver may unilaterally decide to exceed their hours to earn more money. If an accident is caused due to either of these decisions, an injured party can seek compensation against the bus driver and their employer.
Vehicle Malfunction
A transportation company that owns a fleet of buses should perform routine maintenance on those vehicles. Considering the hours that Razorback Transit operates, it is likely that their buses accumulate hundreds of miles per week. This wear and tear can affect various components of their vehicles. For example, after driving several miles, the tires on a bus can become underinflated. If the tires on a bus are underinflated, it is more likely that they can blowout when the driver hits a deep pothole or speeds too quickly.
Frequent maintenance can ensure that a commercial vehicle operates smoothly, which will decrease the likelihood of a vehicle malfunction happening. It is also important to note that a vehicle malfunction can be caused because the manufacturer of a bus or bus components provided a transportation company with defective parts. When this occurs, a victim may be able to file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer and the transportation company.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are many other causes of bus accidents that our firm is prepared to help you handle. If you choose to file a personal injury claim against Razorback Transit or a manufacturing company, you should not waste time filing your case. Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within a certain timeframe if you want to pursue compensation for your injuries. You do not want to be left without a method for securing damages for your accident because you simply failed to file your case on time.
Our Fayetteville, AR Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys are here for You
If you or a family member was involved in a car accident with Razorback Transit vehicle, you should contact an experienced Fayetteville commercial vehicle accident attorney. A serious bus accident can cause you a severe injury that can impact several aspects of your life while also leaving you saddled with extensive medical bills. The Kieklak Law Firm is here to help you hold Razorback Transit accountable for their negligent actions, call (479) 316-0438 today for a free legal consultation.