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What you need to know about Bus Accidents

Tarak Devkota
October 18, 2021

Every day we come across auto accidents while driving. However, it’s not every day that you see a bus involved in automobile accidents like these. Despite bus accidents not being as common as a regular auto accident. Bus accidents are still very prevalent within Kansas City and many other cities. Whether that be a School Bus, Grey Hound, or Metro/City Bus. Bus accidents, just like any vehicular accident, revolve around collisions taking place between two or more automobiles. Everyday school buses carry millions of children to school. The reality is, accidents happen, and it is possible for these children to get hurt.

Between the years of 2009 and 2018, 1,207 people passed away in school transportation related crashes. On top of that there is an average of 121 deaths per year related to school bus crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration more than 70% of these accidents are caused by occupants of other vehicles. This serves as a reminder to always keep your eyes on the road.

Both states, Missouri and Kansas have implemented laws to help keep children safe and decrease the amount of bus related accidents. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Missouri drivers must stop for school buses when the stop arm is extended on all two-lane roads regardless of the direction of the driver. Kansas State Department of Education states that most of the school bus laws in Missouri are the same in Kansas. Kansas Law KSA8-1556 requires all motorists to stop when approaching or overtaking a stopped school bus.

Injuries Associated with Bus Related Accidents

An accident involving a bus will more than likely cause multiple injuries. Especially that buses hold mass amounts of people. Injuries with buses can be more severe as well. This is because buses are bigger and weigh more than regular automobiles. Not only that, but with multiple people on a bus, more lives are at stake.

Possible injuries include:

Eye trauma.
Facial injuries.
Dental fractures.
Intracranial hemorrhage.
Concussion.
Road rash.
Soft tissue injuries.
Spine Injuries.
Fractured bones.
Skull fracture.
Neurological damage.
Dislocated joints.
Muscular strains.
Ruptured discs.
Wrongful death.

What to do after a Bus Related Accident?

Call 911.
Check yourself and the passengers for injuries and schedule an appointment immediately with a physician to rule out any internal trauma.
Document what you can. Like pictures of the scene, photos of the injuries, names, and phone numbers of witnesses.
Exchange information with all parties involved.
Do not make statements regarding your injuries. Soft tissue injuries might surface a few days after the accident and internal injuries are not visible and require medical evaluation.
Talk to an attorney. The Devkota Law Firm attorneys are just one call away.

Safety Tips to Avoid Bus related Auto Accidents

There have already been many Ride KC accidents in Kansas City Missouri, and it is important that we keep this rate as low as possible. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, the following tips could save your life and the lives of others during a bus accident.

Follow the speed limit, especially in school zones and at bus stops.
Pay attention to flashing lights and never pass another vehicle with the stop-arm extended.
Never assume a bus driver sees you. Make yourself visible to an approaching bus.
Anticipate wide turns. Buses and trucks require extra turning room.

An experienced auto accident attorney in Kansas City can help victims receive compensation and a settlement for: