What Are Common Causes of Tour Bus Accidents?

Tour bus accidents can have numerous causes, many of which are unique to this type of vehicle. Tour buses are massive, averaging 39 to 40 feet long and 12.5 feet high. This makes it difficult for a driver to maneuver in the wind, on narrow streets or over poor road conditions. Some of the more frequent causes of tour bus accidents in New Jersey are often due to driver negligence or tour bus company negligence.

Types of negligence include:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver inexperience
• Inadequate driver training
• Improper maintenance
• Drivers distracted by passengers

Due to the nature of tour buses — carrying passengers to out-of-the-way places of interest — speeding and congested roads aren’t usually the cause of crashes. Even though the trucking and bus industries have strict regulations and extensive training programs, driver fatigue and inexperience are the more common causes that contribute to tour bus accidents.

If you’re in a tour bus accident, be sure to get checked out by a medical professional immediately. Then contact the personal injury lawyers at RAM Law. These bus accident attorneys at RAM Law have the experience and skills to win you appropriate compensation for all your bus accident damages and health care costs.

What Are Typical Tour Bus Accident Injuries?

Tour bus injuries include the common afflictions that you find in any trucking or motor vehicle accident, from minor lacerations and contusions to serious physical trauma. The main difference is that with a bus, there is an increased probability of rolling over due to its high center of gravity.

Some of the injuries from a tour bus accident in NJ include:

• Broken bones or fractures
• Neck and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns

To complicate matters, tour buses lack some of the basic safety features normally found in private passenger vehicles. Most buses don’t have airbags or seat belts. This lack results in more injuries, even in a minor accident. Some of these injuries may take days to reveal themselves, so be certain to be examined by a competent physician immediately after the crash.

It can take days, weeks or years to recover from some injuries. Some end up being chronic, long-term disabilities. Get RAM Law on your side so you can recoup your medical charges and get the long-term treatment you need. If RAM Law is on your case from the beginning, they’re better able to help get you the compensation to cover all your needs.

Why Are Tour Buses So Popular?

Tour buses have many advantages when traveling, but they also have disadvantages. What they lack in individual preferences, they make up for in comfort and relaxation.

Some of the benefits of riding in a tour bus include:

• You don’t have to drive.
• Someone else is in charge of your itinerary.
• You usually have a guide to point out interesting facts about the area.
• You get to meet new people.

Having someone else in charge of your itinerary can also be a disadvantage. You can’t make unannounced stops or pull over to that cute gift shop. If you’re a person who doesn’t like to drive, a tour bus may be an ideal mode of transportation for your excursions. While they’re usually safe, check their safety record to be sure.

What Are Different Types of Tour Buses?

Tour buses come in a variety of types and sizes, but most people think of a full-sized motorcoach when thinking of a tour bus. Smaller and less extravagant versions of buses are often used for city tours or shorter distances.

The two basic types of commercial tour buses are:

1. Charter buses, used for taking people to and from events or venues
2. Band tour buses, used for entertainers or politicians during long road trips

Charter buses range in size, from mini-buses that carry 15 to 35 passengers to the double-decker Megabus, which holds as many as 56 passengers. A motorcoach usually has more amenities, such as a restroom, WiFi and TV monitors. Band tour buses — also known as sleepers or entertainers — may have amenities to suit the needs of the riders, including a shower, bedroom and even a full kitchen.

Isn’t Taking a Tour Bus Safer than Riding in a Car?

Statistics show that although tour bus accidents are far less frequent than automobile crashes, the number of accidents per million miles is about the same. Since New Jersey has a huge tour bus destination in Atlantic City, they may actually have more than their share. Some of the more tragic accidents led Congress to pass the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011. Some of the features of this Act impose regulations to ensure safer transportation for travelers.

These features include rules such as:

• All buses must be equipped with seat belts for every seat.
• Tour buses must provide enhanced stability for buses to reduce rollover accidents, thus lessening injuries.
• There are stricter licensing requirements for bus drivers.
• Buses must have improved systems for fire suppression and passenger emergency evacuation.

Although a tour bus probably wouldn’t be too heavily damaged in a collision with a passenger vehicle, there are many more hazards on the highway. The Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to research and develop even more life-saving measures.

What Should I Do if I’m in a Tour Bus Accident?

First and foremost, have yourself checked by a medical professional. Always accept medical treatment even if you don’t think you need it. You never know what may turn up, especially with head and neck injuries. And while you want to be honest with law enforcement, be sure not to implicate yourself in any way — in other words, never apologize for what you think may have been your fault in the accident.

If you’re physically fit, gather as much information and evidence as possible at the scene. The more facts you have at the time of the mishap, the better off you’ll be when it comes to potential litigation.

Your RAM Law attorney sends out a professional investigator, but meanwhile, some of the things you can do before you leave for medical treatment include:

• Gathering contact information of all drivers involved, as well as that of any witnesses
• Contacting your insurance company
• Getting the information of the bus company, including the name of driver’s immediate supervisor
• Taking pictures, if possible, of all vehicles and damage incurred as well as the road conditions and tire tracks
• Speaking to responding law enforcement officers to find out where you can receive a police report

As soon as you have time, write down what you remember about the accident as it may be important later. All of this data helps you when you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Your RAM Law tour bus accident attorney helps you with all the legal ramifications of the tour bus accident.

Who’s Responsible for My Tour Bus Accident?

A tour bus accident can have one or more responsible parties. Local law enforcement, the tour bus company, the lawyers and insurance adjusters work diligently to find out who or what is liable for the accident.

The responsibility may lie with the:

• Tour bus company
• Bus manufacturer
• Bus driver
• Bus maintenance company
• Another vehicle

The easiest way for you to determine the liability for your tour bus accident in NJ is to hire an attorney at RAM Law. This firm has the resources and know-how to determine who’s responsible to pay your compensation for injuries, pain and property damage.

Why Retain a Tour Bus Accident Lawyer?

Hire a bus accident attorney to be your legal representative. An experienced lawyer watches out for your best interests if you’re in a tour bus accident.

RAM Law attorneys have the experience and empathy to help you with issues such as:

• Getting compensation for your medical bills
• Figuring out the liability of the accident
• Ensuring property damage is recorded and covered
• Filing a wrongful death lawsuit, if necessary
• Representing you in court, when necessary

While you’re recuperating from your accident, you need a professional to deal with insurance companies, local or state law enforcement and the tour bus company. The New Jersey attorneys at RAM Law are knowledgeable at gathering documents and evidence to ensure that you get the restitution that you deserve.

Who Can Lawyers Sue in Court After a Bus Accident?

The attorneys at RAM Law can sue a bus company or any entity that had responsibility for your tour bus accident. Individual drivers have insurance companies that may be prosecuted instead of the actual driver.

Some of the entities that your lawyer can bring a suit against them include the:

• Bus driver
• Bus manufacturer
• Bus company
• Other drivers involved

Once liability is decided, your bus accident attorney can begin the process of filing suit. The determination of liability and the settlement process can take months or years, but your attorney keeps you in the loop as negotiations continue.

How Much Money Will I Get from My Tour Bus Accident Claim?

The monetary compensation you receive as a result of your tour bus accident depends on a few different factors, including how badly you’ve been hurt.

Some of the damages you may receive include:

• Doctor and hospital bills
• Lost wages and future income loss
• Pain and suffering
• Mortgage or rent payments

The settlement is based on how your injuries affect your life and livelihood. For instance, if you break your leg and you have a desk job, you can still work, but someone who’s an EMT can’t. While the injuries are the same, the compensation may differ. For the best settlement, rely on an experienced tour bus accident lawyer at RAM Law.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit on Behalf of a Killed Family Member?

You may certainly file a wrongful death lawsuit. But you must be the decedent’s executor of the estate or personal representative. You have two years from the date of the person’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Under New Jersey law, the people who may receive monetary compensation in a wrongful death suit include the:

• Spouse
• Children or grandchildren
• Surviving parents
• Siblings
• Nieces and nephews

When You Are Injured, Our Bus Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Will Help

An accident can be life-changing and saddle you with mounting medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our seasoned bus accident lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. can help. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.