National Bus Accident Statistics

According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, there were 337,000 bus collisions in the United States from 2001 to 2010. These accidents resulted in 4,531 fatalities, 141,000 injuries, and $11.8 billion in property damage.

Most of these bus crashes occurred in California (493), Texas (405), Florida (383), and Illinois (212). The fatality rate was 9.1 per 100,000 bus collisions in the United States.

Wisconsin Bus Accident Statistics

According to the Department of Wisconsin, there were nine bus crashes in the state in 2019. Seven of these accidents resulted in severe injuries, five damaged property, and two led to fatalities.

In Milwaukee County specifically, there were three bus crashes that year. Of these crashes, two resulted in severe injuries, two caused property damage, and one led to a fatality.

Bus Driver Negligence and Other Leading Causes of Bus Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is the number one cause of bus crashes. Commuter vehicle drivers are required to keep logs of their hours behind the wheel, and when these logs are reviewed, it is often found that drivers have been working for too many hours without a break.

Working longer than the regulated daily hours allowed by the federal government, drivers become impaired and cannot safely operate a bus. Other factors contributing to bus accidents include:

Speeding: Traveling faster than the posted speed limit can increase the risk of an accident, especially when driving a large vehicle like a school bus.

Reckless Driving: weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and sudden stops and starts are all reckless driving behaviors.

Distracted Driving: using a cell phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel can take a driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of an accident.

Improper Maintenance: buses require regular maintenance to ensure they operate safely. When this maintenance is neglected, it can lead to crashing.

Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never acceptable and is especially dangerous when operating a large vehicle like a bus.

Adverse Weather: Icy roads, slippery surfaces, high winds, and heavy rain can make driving more difficult and increase the risk of crashes.

Hazardous Road Conditions and Construction Zones: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, can damage a bus and cause an accident. Construction zones can also be dangerous for buses, as they often have narrow lanes and tight turns.

Many other factors can contribute to crashes involving public transportation coaches and commercial carriers, but these are some of the most common. An affiliate Milwaukee bus accident lawyer could assess your case during your free consultation if you or someone you love was hurt in a commuter metro accident.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1,500 people die yearly in bus accidents. Additionally, about 20,000 people suffer catastrophic injuries in bus accidents. Approximately one-third of all bus accident victims die or suffer catastrophic injuries.

Bus crashes, especially those striking other vehicles, can often lead to life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of the motorcoach. A bus crash can cause severe injury or death to the passengers, some common injuries that occur in bus crashes include:

Traumatic Brain Injury: the sudden impact of a catastrophic commercial or school bus accident can leave the victim with traumatic brain injuries sustained in the collision. In some cases, the serious injury will result in lifelong disability, including paralysis and coma.

Spinal Cord Injury: the spinal cord is vulnerable to damage in an accident. A blow to the spine can crush, tear, or sever the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.

Internal Injuries: organs can be damaged in an accident, causing internal bleeding and other serious injuries.

Broken Bones: the force of a collision can cause bones to break or shatter.

Burns: bus wrecks can also result in burns, either from the impact of the collision or from exposure to chemicals or fires.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, it is essential to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Metro collisions often result in serious injuries, and victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

An experienced bus accident lawyer will be able to review your case and help you understand your legal options. Liable parties must be held accountable for injuries caused. Schedule a free consultation to recover damages from other drivers.

These bus accident injuries can often be very severe and require extensive medical treatment. In some cases, they can change everyday life and result in permanent disability. Passengers injured in bus crashes may require costly medical care and be unable to work for an extended period.

They may also need help with activities of daily living, which can be expensive. If you have been injured in a crash, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your bus accident injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and seek the damages you deserve.

Hire a Milwaukee Bus Accident Attorney To Resolve a Personal Injury Claim

Do you suspect that bus driver negligence led to your Milwaukee bus accident, leaving you with a severe injury sustained in the collision? Did you lose your loved one in a fatal accident? Contact a Milwaukee bus accident lawyer to schedule a free case evaluation.

Speak with a Milwaukee bus accident lawyer specializing in personal injury claims to discuss legal ways to ensure that the bus owner, bus driver, bus manufacturer, and any other responsible party are held liable for your damages. Let us obtain compensation on your behalf.

We accept all personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits involving Milwaukee bus accidents on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement ensures you pay no upfront fees until we obtain a full recovery on your behalf to a negotiated settlement or jury award.

The State Statute of Limitations

Let our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers provide a free case review, file your claim, conduct a full investigation, gather witness statements, and obtain full compensation before the State statute of limitations expires in your bus accident case.

Wisconsin allows injured victims three years to file a personal injury lawsuit for total compensation, including economic and non-economic damages. Waiting past that time forfeits her right to seek compensation from the insurance company.

Discuss options to take legal action against all responsible parties and government entities involved and your bus crash. All information shared with your bus accident attorney remains private through an attorney-client relationship.