School Bus MishapsWritten by Paul Hood
Buses are a fairly safe mode of transportation. However, they can be very dangerous if they are involved in an accident.Bus accidents often result in serious injuries and even death. Factors that contribute to these accidents are driver negligence, inadequate security, dangerous roadways, weather conditions, defective products and improper maintenance, among others. According to University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, based on information from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are less than 300 fatal bus accidents in an average year. Of those, about 30% involve transit buses and 40% involve school buses. There may be variations from other sources but above figure paints a frightening picture of dangers buses pose to riding public. If you are injured in a bus accident you may be able to file a claim against bus company to receive damages for injury you have sustained. You may either be on board bus while mishap happened or you may be walking on street or riding a car. Like trains and planes, buses are conveyances that are required to provide a higher level of safety for its occupants. They are liable for injuries that passengers may suffer. It is mandatory for them to have equipment in good condition and skilled drivers to ensure safety of passengers. State policies may vary but in general, if a personal injury occurs because carrier was not in compliance with safety regulations, carrier may have total liability for personal injuries.
| | Motorcycle Accidents: Preparing Your CaseWritten by Blur Loteriña
Motorcycle accident is an unexpected occurrence that results to shock and trauma, serious physical injuries and death. The most common reason of a motorcycle accident, which contributed to 50% of motorcycle vehicle, is due to failure of another motorist to see motorcycle. It is estimated that 75% of motorcycle accidents involve another motor vehicle, two-thirds of which were caused by motorist failing to yield right of way. Motorcycle accidents not only involve driver’s negligence, it also includes product defect and unsafe roadways.Motorcycle accident happens so fast that we are not able to control it. During an accident, we cannot do much, especially when we are injured. We cannot think of anything but pain that we are suffering. It is essential for us to know things that we have to do after accident. In situations wherein you are still able to talk, walk and move without difficulty, you might as well do following steps. Get name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and other significant information about other driver involved in accident. Also, get names, address and phone numbers of witnesses, if there is any. Ask if they can give some statement and record conversation. Take note of important visual information, like scratches and marks on car and weather condition. If you do not have pen or any writing materials, review scene in your mind so that you can remember it. You have to tell police exactly what happened. Assist police with investigation, be cooperative. Take pictures of cars involved in accident in different angles.
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