Bus Passenger Injuries

Bus passengers can often be in a vulnerable position when it comes to being injured. Not all bus passengers are able to use a seat. Theoretically there should be a handrail to use, but that's not always the case. Even if you are seated, there are no seatbelts. So, no matter where you find yourself in a bus, the risk of injury is significant if a bus is in an accident. This is true even if the bus driver takes evasive action and there was no collision.

Injuries that happen to passengers on a bus can be different than the injuries to passengers in a passenger car, truck or SUV. They include:

• Ankle, Knee, and Leg Injuries: Since many bus passengers are standing instead of sitting, accidents often cause passengers to lose their balance. Whether it’s in the act of falling to the ground or attempting to remain standing, many passengers suffer injuries to the legs, including their ankles and knees.
• Hand, Wrist, Arm, and Shoulder Injuries: Whether a bus passenger is sitting or standing, there are handrails available for almost everyone to use. These are intended to help passengers keep their balance. However, when a bus comes to a sudden stop or otherwise causes the passenger to move suddenly, a passenger holding onto a handrail can easily suffer significant injury to their hands, arms, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
• Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries are very common with bus passengers. They can happen to anyone at any time. If a bus passenger is seated, head injuries can happen by hitting either the window or the seat in front of them. This can be made worse when hitting hard surfaces like handrails.
• Neck and Back Injuries: As with any type of car accident, the act of suddenly stopping can cause many types of injuries to a passenger’s neck and/or back.

Sometimes, bus passengers are injured when there was no collision at all. Because bus passengers are standing or even sitting without an available seat belt, any sudden or jerky movement of a bus can send passengers flying. This is dangerous no matter what speed the bus is traveling. Even at low speeds, injuries can happen when people lose their balance, causing injuries. At moderate and high speeds, there’s a heightened risk for significant injury. Bus drivers are therefore required to be aware of this and operate the bus in a manner that keeps the passengers safe at all times.

At Marcotte Law Firm, our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers have experience dealing with bus injuries of all types. We know the unique aspects of what happens to passengers even when the bus isn’t involved in a collision. Just because the bus came to a stop on its own doesn’t mean that you weren’t injured.

If you or a loved one were hurt while a passenger of any type of bus, call the Bus Accident Lawyers at Marcotte Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation.