Despite California residents’ post-pandemic flight, the state still holds the largest population in the United States, with 39.24 million people. With a population this large, it’s no surprise that California’s public transportation systems are heavily used by city dwellers. Buses are not only a cheaper alternative to driving but reduce air pollution, creating a safer environment for California natives. While these benefits are helpful for riders and their communities, buses can also be dangerous. Knowing how many bus accidents per year happen in California can keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
How Many Bus Accidents Per Year Happen in California?
Bus accidents are more common than we tend to consider. Even though COVID-19 kept many indoors, there were still reports of vehicle crashes surging. According to Statista, California had 100,828 registered buses in 2020. In that same year, there were 176 total fatalities in bus crashes recorded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). School buses and transit buses accounted for 131 of those fatalities. Although the numbers did decrease from the previous year (261 in 2019), the statistics are still high.
The causes and impacts of bus accidents can vary. According to the National Safety Council, between 2011 and 2020, 70% of the deaths in school bus crashes were occupants of another vehicle, and 16% were pedestrians. A bus driver’s distracted driving or even jaywalking are some of the main causes of pedestrian accidents. Whether walking or diving, it’s important to know how bus accidents happen.
Some other causes of bus accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted Driving from the bus driver of the occupant of another vehicle
- Aggressive driving from other vehicles on the road
- Poor bus conditions, such as faulty breaks
- Weather conditions such as rain or sleet
- Road hazards, including potholes or construction
A bus accident can still happen despite knowing these facts and taking the necessary safety precautions. If you or a loved one have been a bus accident victim, you need an experienced bus accident lawyer like those at Avrek Law to guide you through the process.
Can I Sue the City for a Car Accident?
Most California car accident statistics show that the state experiences the most traffic accidents annually. According to FMCSA, California has experienced 138 fatal bus accidents and 5,913 non-fatal accidents this year. In bus accidents that involve other vehicles, the occupant of the other vehicle is likely to receive the most injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident involving a city bus, you might wonder, “Can I sue the city for a car accident?” While the short answer is yes, there is more to it than meets the eye.
Since a city bus is classified as a municipal car, you can file a claim against the city. However, due to the Westfall Act, federal employees, such as city bus drivers, receive absolute immunity from any tort claims that challenge wrongful acts within their government employment. In addition, the time frame to submit a claim against the government is shortened to six months compared to three years for a claim against another person. With these factors in mind reaching out to a skilled attorney at Avrek Law can ease the anxiety surrounding this time-sensitive process.
Where to Find a Bus Accident Lawyer
When you know how many bus accidents per year happen in California, it is crucial to have a reliable bus accident lawyer in your time of need. With more than 50 years of combined experience in resolving cases for clients, Avrek Law has the skills you want on your side. From an Anaheim bus accident lawyer to a San Francisco bus accident lawyer, Avrek Law provides support in various locations to help win your case. Avrek Law has recovered more than $1 billion in over 45,000 cases, making them a trustworthy firm for your case. Contact us for your free consultation to learn more!
