Whether it be commuting to downtown St. Louis or traveling across the state of Missouri, the use of buses as a mode of transportation is prevalent.  Unfortunately, traveling on the roadways is not always safe, and accidents do occur. Because of the size and high number of passengers, a bus accident can be disastrous and the injuries catastrophic since passengers tend to ride without safety devices.  The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley provides high-quality legal counsel to families and victims of bus accidents to help them navigate the complicated legal issues that can arise.

The Different Buses of Missouri

St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, St. Joseph, Jefferson City, and Joplin each have their own system of public bus transportation.  These systems of transit are usually designed for people who do not have their own private transportation or use the public transportation as a cheaper alternative.  The buses in these urban areas are owned by the state through funding from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Private buses are commonly seen on the roads of Missouri.  Groups of individuals may hire a charter bus to transport them to an event, or an individual may book a ticket on a private bus to transport them to a specific destination.  These buses are privately owned and operated by the bus company.

School buses are seen daily throughout the cities and suburbs of Missouri.  These buses are typically owned by the school district or private companies that contract with the school district.  The Missouri Department of Education is responsible for all safety regulations regarding school buses.

Typical Causes of Bus Accidents

Many factors contribute to bus accidents, including the condition of the bus, the road conditions, and the ability of the driver.  Bus drivers are considered to be professional drivers and must go through specialized training.  However, this does not mean that accidents can be completely avoided.  Fatigue, the use of drugs or alcohol, and the use of electronic devices while driving can severely impact the attentiveness of bus drivers and cause them to ignore the rules of the road.

Liability for Bus Accidents

Missouri considers an owner of a bus to be a “common carrier.”  A common carrier is a transporter who holds himself out to the public to transport people or goods over a definite schedule and time.  These transporters are held to a much higher standard of care than typical drivers.  They must use the utmost diligence and care when transporting their passengers by driving safely.  The same standard of care must be afforded to drivers on the road by bus drivers.

Free Consultation

To set up a free consultation with Attorney Kevin J. Dolley regarding your bus accident injury, please call (314) 645-4100 or email kevin@dolleylaw.com.  All legal consultations are held strictly confidential.