Posted in Bus Accident,Personal Injury on June 7, 2016
MTA Bus Crash Injures Multiple Passengers Monday Morning
A bus belonging to the Metro Transportation Authority crashed in downtown Nashville Monday morning, causing multiple passengers to suffer injuries.
According to reports by WKRN.com and WSMV.com, the accident occurred at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Commerce Street.
Metro Nashville Police officers who investigated the accident say that the driver of a black pickup truck may have caused the crash when he was on his phone asking for directions due to downtown construction. While talking on the phone, he pulled out in front of the bus, which then crashed.
A spokesperson with MPD told reporters that four or five passengers were taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. Another passenger was treated at the scene by paramedics. The bus sustained minor damage as a result of the accident.
The crash is still under investigation, and no further information has been released at this time.
What Are Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Thousands of people use MTA buses every day in Nashville to get to and from work, school, and other areas of interest in the city. People who rides buses trust bus drivers with their safety and well-being, but accidents can and do happen due to the unpredictable nature of driving and sharing the road with other vehicles.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville bus accident attorneys know that bus crashes have many common causes, including:
Safe driving requires full concentration on the task at hand and sound judgment. Both of those requirements can be diminished and impaired when drivers are sleep-deprived, fatigued, or exhausted. Truck drivers are required to maintain strict rest schedules to avoid driving while fatigued or sleepy, and bus drivers can suffer the same detrimental effects when they aren’t fully rested.
Whether it’s the fault of the bus driver or another motorist, many accidents are caused when someone willfully and intentionally violates traffic laws by speeding, following too closely, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, or even intentionally crashing into other vehicles. Aggressive driving caused by road rage can have devastating consequences for innocent victims, including bus passengers.
All vehicles require frequent maintenance to continue operating at their best, and that’s especially true for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. Because of their large weight and size, buses need frequent servicing and replacement of critical parts like tires and brakes. When a bus has a tire blowout or a brake failure, the driver can easily lose control, putting dozens of passengers at risk.
Driving a bus requires excellent driving skills and the ability to safely navigate tight turns and crowded streets while maneuvering in an oversized vehicle. Bus drivers must be highly qualified and pass special tests in order to be allowed to drive, and they also frequently must pass training courses before they can pick up passengers. Some bus owners and operators hire drivers who aren’t qualified to drive commercial vehicles, which can result in serious accidents.
All motor vehicle accidents have the potential to cause injuries, and bus accidents are no exception. In fact, the risks that bus passengers face during accidents may be even higher due to the fact that they often lack safety features like seat belts and airbags. Because of the lack of protection, it’s even more vital that drivers and bus operators do everything in their power to make their passengers as safe as possible.
The Nashville bus accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that the aftermath of bus accidents can be debilitating for injured passengers. Many victims suffer injuries that make it difficult or impossible for them to go back to work due to pain and disability. And when they can no longer rely on a paycheck, they may have a hard time keeping up with their medical bills and providing for their families.
Matt Hardin Law’s legal team has more than two decades of experience fighting for the rights of innocent victims. If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident, we’ll do everything in our power to help you during this difficult time. Dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form to speak with us today.
