Bus Injuries Suffered While Boarding or Disembarking the Bus

When it comes to bus accidents, many people overlook the potential hazards associated with getting on and getting off the bus. While collisions with other vehicles, while the bus is moving, are more likely to result in severe injuries to passengers, passengers can suffer very serious injuries as a result of tripping, slipping, or falling when boarding or disembarking the bus. These injuries can include injuries to the face, head, neck, back, hands, or wrists – injuries that require extensive medical treatment and result in temporary or permanent disabilities.  If you have been injured while getting on or off the bus, contact an experienced bus accident attorney to discuss what you can do to protect your rights. 

Common Causes of Boarding and Disembarkation Injuries

Getting on and off the bus requires negotiating the curb and street surface as well as ascending or descending the stairs on the boss. It is surprisingly easy, therefore, to slip, trip, and fall while getting on and off the bus. Some of the most common causes of boarding and disembarkation injuries include the following: 

• Missing or broken handrails
• Malfunctioning doors
• Attempting to get on or off the bus before it is fully stopped
• Wet, slippery stairs
• Broken concrete curbs 
• Potholes
• Missing caution treads
• Broken stairs
• Departing before the passenger has finished safely boarding the bus
• People attempting to board the bus before passengers have finished getting off

Some of these causes may not be the fault of the bus driver or bus company. For example, they have no control over the condition of the curb or asphalt, which may cause passengers to trip and fall while getting on or off the bus. 

However, bus companies should ensure that their stairs have the appropriate safety tread and that the doors and handrails are functioning properly. Drivers should make sure that the bus has come to a complete stop before opening the doors, that passengers should be allowed off the bus before allowing other passengers to board, and that all passengers have safely boarded before departing. 

If you have been injured while getting on or off the bus, it may not be clear whether the driver or the bus company is responsible. A knowledgeable bus accident attorney can review your case and determine whether you have a claim. 

Safety Tips for Getting On and Off the Bus

The best way to avoid getting injured while getting on or off the bus is to be mindful of your own safety. Some of the things you can do to protect yourself include the following: 

• Get to the bus stop early to avoid rushing to the bus
• Do not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the doors are open
• Allow passengers to disembark before attempting to board the bus
• Watch your step and use the handrail while boarding or getting off 
• Use the seatbacks and other rails while finding and taking your seat or making your way to the exit
• Remain in your seat for the duration of your trip
• Activate the stop signal early enough so that the driver has time to stop safely
• Do not get out of your seat until the bus has come to a complete stop
• Immediately move to the nearest sidewalk and do not attempt to cross the street until the bus has departed

Following these steps can greatly reduce the risk of injury, but accidents can still happen. If you have been injured while getting on or off the bus despite your own efforts, contact a bus accident attorney right away. 

What to Do if You Have Been Injured Getting On or Off the Bus

The outcome of your case will depend upon whatever evidence you can gather. To the extent that you are able, you should attempt to gather the following: 

• Copies of any accident reports prepared by the police, the driver, or the bus company
• Copies of any bus camera footage
• Eye witness statements
• Copies of your medical records documenting your injuries

It is understandable if this seems overwhelming, but you will need to act quickly to protect your rights. A bus accident attorney can gather the evidence you need to build your case so that you focus on your recovery. 

Injured While Getting On or Off the Bus? Contact Bus Accident Attorney Thomas E. Pyles

With offices in Waldorf, Leonardtown, and Laurel, the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles has been helping accident victims get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives for over 30 years. If you have been injured in a bus accident, we can help you get fair compensation. Contact us today at 301-705-5006 to schedule a free consultation.