Posted in Bus Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on October 21, 2015
Metro Transit Authority Bus Crashes into West End Avenue Building
A bus belonging to the Metro Transit Authority crashed into a coffee shop during rush hour on West End Avenue Wednesday morning.
Reports by wkrn.com and the Tennessean say the accident occurred around 8 a.m. at Three Brothers Coffee. A Nashville Metro police officer who responded to the accident scene says that the driver of the bus had previously reported that the bus was experiencing mechanical problems.
MPD’s spokesperson says that the bus had been traveling westbound on West End Avenue when the driver first noticed that the bus was having mechanical problems. The bus driver then told all riders to exit the bus. After the passengers vacated, the bus began moving on its own before turning toward the direction of the coffee shop.
Patrons inside the coffee shop said that they noticed it rolling towards the building, but assumed that it would stop. However, the bus was moving slowly enough that those inside the shop were able to grab their belongings and move out of the way before it crashed into the building.
No one was injured in the accident, but the business sustained major damage. The MTA and MPD are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
How Can You Stay Safe when Riding a Bus?
Nashville’s bus system connects residents with bus stops throughout the city, making it an inexpensive and convenient way to get around town. But in order to stay safe while riding a bus, it’s important that you and your loved ones understand and practice a few safety tips every time you ride, board, or wait for a bus to arrive, such as:
If you’re waiting for a bus, step back and give passengers room to exit before you begin you attempt to board. When stepping onto the bus, always grip the handrail and have your bus pass or fare already in a convenient location to present to the bus driver.
Never try to step out in front of a bus before boarding or when attempting to cross the street. In addition, you should never chase down a bus if you missed it. Instead, wait for the next bus on your route to arrive.
As a bus rider, your responsibility to avoid causing any distractions for the bus driver and avoid causing any obstacles for other riders. The easiest way to do that is to simply stay in your seat for the duration of the bus ride until the bus arrives at your stop. In addition, you should always keep your bags and other items with you or under your seat—never in the aisle—to prevent possible hazards to other riders.
Buses are equipped with emergency exits at multiple locations throughout their length. These emergency exits are designed to be opened in the event of a serious crash, including ones that cause the bus to flip over or land upside down. Knowing how to quickly open an emergency exit on a bus can help save your life and the lives of other riders as well. Take the time to familiarize yourself with this procedure before you ride on an MTA bus in the future.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville bus accident attorneys know how important the MTA system is for residents throughout Davidson County. By connecting distant parts of the city, MTA buses make it easy for people to commute without worrying about traffic, parking, and vehicle maintenance. However, we also know that bus accidents, while rare, can sometimes have devastating consequences for victims.
If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident caused by negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses. To find out how our attorneys can help, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today.
