One of the most relied upon means of transportation in Los Angeles is busses. They bring tourists around scenic spots and amusement parks for them to relax and enjoy their stay in the region. These busses are also convenient for students who will be going to and from their schools.

With busses, commuters would not have to deal with hassles in driving and would also be provided with comfort while traveling. Because of this, more and more tourists, students, and commuters prefer to ride busses than other public vehicles.

In the big region of Los Angeles, there are many accidents that one can encounter; one of these is bus accidents. Passengers, pedestrians and other motorists are the common victims of bus accidents. These victims can file for claims with the help of expert Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorneys.

Causes of Bus Accidents

Buses are designed to accommodate more people and bring them to their destination. Because of its bulkier and heavier structure, only trained drivers must operate these vehicles to avoid miscalculations in road maneuvers. Also, there are designated bus stops where drivers can pick-up and drop-off their passengers. These bus stops are sometimes the spot of accidents involving busses.

Passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists are in danger from these accidents. To protect ourselves from these accidents, it is better to understand each and know how we can prevent it from happening.

• Avoid Tailgating. Tailgating has caused many collisions in the past. Motorists must be considerate of the heaviness and bulk of the bus and avoid getting too close. They should maintain their speed limit and maintain considerable amount of distance from it.
• Miscalculations. There are some bus drivers who miscalculate a turn or lane shifting which would prompt them to loss their control over their vehicles. It can also cause collision with other vehicles and road fixtures.
• Pedestrian Crossing. Pedestrians should be wary of the proper pedestrian crossing to avoid being involved in accidents with vehicles. Also, they must maintain distance along the edge of bus stops.
• Lack of Safety Equipments. Busses offer less or no safety equipments for passengers. They should have safety handrails and seatbelts to prevent passengers from being thrown forward or backward because of the abrupt change in the bus' speed.
• Negligence of Bus Drivers. Bus drivers should be trained to properly drive busses. Also, they must be attentive on the road to avoid any collisions or road problems.
• Engine / Vehicle Trouble. Busses should be properly maintained to avoid encountering problems on its engine, tires, and other crucial parts. Any malfunction in these areas can cause massive damages to other vehicles and would be the liability of bus companies and operators.
• Road Hazards. Roads should be clear of any obstruction that would cause the motorist to loss control of his vehicle. These road obstructions and poorly designed fixtures are the common reason behind roll over and single-vehicle crashes.

Buses as Common Carriers

Buses are considered to be common carriers as more lives depend on them compared with other public utility vehicles. These bus companies along with airlines and train companies are shouldered with more responsibility and liability compared to other private party involved in an accident. Also, these companies should assure their passengers that they will safely arrive to their destination.