In the United States, bus accidents are common, often leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2019, 5,005 large truck and bus crashes resulted in deaths or injuries. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) also maintains records of bus accidents in the state. At least 223 bus drivers and passengers were injured in bus accidents in 2020.
Bus accidents in Fort Lauderdale frequently involve school buses, shuttle buses, and commuter buses. Various factors, including driver error, vehicle malfunctions, and poor road conditions, can cause bus accidents. Victims of bus accidents can sustain a range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to catastrophic injuries. It is essential to consult with an experienced bus accident attorney to protect your legal rights in case of injuries after a bus accident.
Head and Brain Injuries
A bus accident victim’s head and brain injuries are among the most serious. Mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are examples of injuries that can have long-term effects on a person’s cognitive abilities and overall quality of life. Head and brain injuries can occur due to the victim’s head striking a hard object inside the bus, such as the seat in front of them, or the force of impact during the accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The violent jolting motion of a bus accident can cause spinal cord injuries. These injuries, which can result in paralysis or loss of sensation in various body parts, can have life-changing consequences. This can happen when the victim’s spinal cord is compressed, severed, or bruised during the accident.
Broken Bones
Bus accidents can cause bone fractures ranging from simple to complex compound fractures. Victims may sustain broken bones in various parts of their bodies, including the arms, legs, ribs, and hips. Extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy, may be required to recover from these injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as those to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are common in bus accidents. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Soft tissue injuries can be challenging to diagnose and treat because they may not be visible on X-rays or other diagnostic imaging.
Internal Organ Damage
Bus accidents can result in internal organ damage, such as bruising or lacerations to the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These types of injuries can be fatal and may necessitate emergency surgery. Victims may not be aware of internal organ damage immediately, so seeking medical attention immediately after a bus accident is critical.
Burns
Burns can also result from bus accidents, especially if the bus catches fire during the accident. They can be excruciatingly painful, resulting in scarring, disfigurement, and long-term emotional trauma. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and multiple surgeries to address the effects of their burn injuries.
Emotional Trauma
Passengers in bus accidents may experience emotional trauma, which can have long-term consequences. Following a bus accident, passengers may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional traumas. Emotional trauma can have a negative impact on a victim’s quality of life, and they may need professional counseling or therapy to recover.
Wrongful Death
Fatalities occur in severe bus accidents due to the collision’s impact. Surviving family members may seek compensation for their loved one’s death by filing a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death lawsuits can provide financial compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and other losses.
Conclusion
Bus accidents are common in the United States and can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Victims must seek immediate medical attention and consult with a seasoned bus accident lawyer to protect their legal rights and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.