At Hilton & Somer, LLC we represent parents, families, and individuals who have either lost a loved one in a school bus or commercial vehicle accident, or have been seriously injured in this type of crash.
Although school buses and commercial vehicles, such as charter buses, are generally quite safe, serious accidents can still happen. Because these types of accidents occur less frequently than other kinds of motor vehicle accidents, they don’t always receive the same level of attention. If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus or commercial vehicle accident, you may be struggling to find information about your rights. Our Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. bus accident lawyers are here to help. We will explain your rights, help you explore your options, and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
School Bus Accidents
The big yellow school bus is an iconic part of nearly every person’s childhood memories. When most parents put their kids on the school bus in the morning, they worry more about their child being bullied or perhaps forgetting their lunch than they do the possibility of a crash.
Although school buses are generally much safer than other ways of getting to school, there are still thousands of school bus-related injuries every year. In fact, recent data reveals that these injuries occur much more often than previously thought. For example, one study released by the Columbus Children’s Hospital’s Center for Injury Research and Policy says that an average of 17,000 children are sent to emergency rooms each year for injuries sustained in school bus crashes. Researchers add that one-fourth of these injuries occur as children are boarding or leaving the bus, while 42 percent are caused directly by bus collisions.
Commercial Bus Accidents
In recent years, devastating commercial bus accidents have featured prominently in the news. For example, the crash that severely injured comedian, Tracy Morgan, and killed another man on board drew attention to the problem of fatigued driving on the part of semi-truck drivers.
Other commercial vehicle and charter bus accident cases have shined a much-needed spotlight on serious safety concerns in commercial passenger vehicles.
- In 2016, a motor coach crash in California claimed the lives of 13 people, prompting many to question why the bus was not equipped with seat belts.
- In 2014, another charter bus crash in California claimed the lives of 10 people when the bus collided with a FedEx truck and burst into flames. Investigators later determined that the bus had just one exit, as well as a lack of ventilation.
- In 2014 alone, 44 people were killed in bus crashes, and another 233 motorists and pedestrians were killed in accidents involving buses.
Any bus accident case is likely to be more complicated than a typical auto accident case. If you have been injured in a bus or commercial vehicle collision, it’s important to speak to a knowledgeable bus accident attorney as soon as possible.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: School Bus & Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus or commercial vehicle accident, our lawyers are here to help. The bus accident lawyers at Hilton & Somer, LLC also help individuals and families who have lost loved ones in these devastating accidents. We have offices in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Call us today to receive your free case evaluation.
There is no fee to talk to us, and we never charge a fee unless we obtain a successful result on your behalf. You can reach us through our online contact form, or by calling 703-560-0700.
