By Pendergast Law on June 3, 2016
Buses are very much like cars when it comes to accidents. They depend on the driver to make sure that they stay in control, they function based on the mechanical condition of every part of the bus, and they have a reliance on road conditions. Because of their similarity to cars, common causes of bus accidents are very similar to those of other vehicular accidents.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Seattle
The most common reasons why a bus in Seattle may be involved in an accident include weather, driver distraction or negligence, the road conditions, or problems with the equipment. While it is true that most of your Washington State or Seattle bus drivers are well trained, attentive, and responsible, as well as driving equipment being well maintained on roads that are well taken care of, there are times when this is simply not the case. When this occurs, there is a high likelihood that there will be a bus accident, which can lead to injuries or even fatalities.
Distracted Driving
Two of the leading causes of distracted driving among bus drivers in Seattle are the use of cell phones and boredom leading to distractions. If your bus driver is bored, there is a high likelihood that their attention could be pulled away by a passenger or scenery, leading them to take their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel, which would ultimately lead to an accident. There have been cases of Seattle bus drivers texting on their phone, which is extremely dangerous and can lead to a bus accident.
Weather and Road Conditions
The weather can also be a factor in a Seattle bus accident. If the weather is extremely cold, this makes the road conditions — and by extension, the driving conditions — extremely tedious. If there are any additional factors like road work, unrepaired potholes, or signals that are not working, this can add to the stress level of the driver and possibly lead to an accident. In addition, when it is raining, visibility is extremely limited, which can lead to driver errors or other drivers making mistakes, causing the bus driver to swerve, or pedestrians stepping out without paying attention to the traffic.
Mechanical Problems
Constant driving puts a great deal of stress on Seattle buses. This wear and tear requires that the city, or private bus owners, put in the time and effort required to maintain the buses in perfect working order. If there’s a mechanical problem — for example, a brake failure — this could easily lead to a bus accident and severe bus accident injuries.
Call Now!
If you have been injured in a Seattle bus accident, call to speak with Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. We can provide you with dependable legal representation and ensure that your rights are protected. You can reach us at 888-539-9211.