When you ride the bus, you leave the driving to a professional, and the last thing you expect is to be injured in the process. Unfortunately, bus drivers are not immune from negligence, and drunk driving bus accidents in Walterboro happen. If an impaired bus driver caused a crash that injured you, the experienced bus accident attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda welcome the opportunity to help.
Impairment Behind the Wheel of a Bus
Bus drivers operate massive machines that transport large numbers of people for a living, and as such, they are held to much higher safety standards than other drivers. Pursuant to S.C. Code § 56-1-2110, the law takes impairment of commercial drivers very seriously, including mandatory disqualification upon conviction.
Unfortunately, not every bus driver takes their responsibility to the safety of others, including their passengers, seriously enough. Drunk bus drivers who cause collisions in Walterboro could face severe consequences.
What Could Happen When the Bus Driver Is Impaired?
When a bus driver is impaired by alcohol, they experience a range of dangerous effects that make accidents in Walterboro far more likely. Bus drivers are tasked with safely executing all of the following:
- Entering and exiting traffic frequently
- Making multiple lane changes within the course of very little space
- Making frequent stops and starts
- Allowing passengers to enter and exit their buses safely in the process
- Making safe left turns through intersections while considering the vehicle size and speed capabilities
- Navigating residential streets with other cars and pedestrians
The effects of alcohol jeopardize the safety of all of these maneuvers.
Slowed Reaction Times
Navigating a bus safely through traffic requires skill and careful responses. The impact of slowed reaction times could lead to life-threatening accidents.
Loss of Coordination
Driving requires a significant amount of coordination and coordinated effort, and this requirement increases when the vehicle is a bus. Bus drivers who have a loss of coordination should not be on the road.
Impaired Judgment
Bus drivers should use their good judgment from the moment they get behind the wheel until they reach their destination. Bus drivers are also tasked with ferrying large numbers of people to multiple locations, so they cannot afford to be operating with impaired judgment.
Distracted Driving
Alcohol also makes it more difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. Distraction behind the wheel is always unsafe, and when distraction is combined with alcohol impairment, the risk factor increases substantially.
Difficulty Processing Information
In order to drive safely, motorists must process an immense amount of information. When a bus driver’s ability to do this is impaired, they put the lives of everyone on the road in danger.
Your Physical, Financial, and Emotional Losses
In your DUI bus accident claim in Walterboro, you will need to establish the full range of losses you suffered. These are called legal damages, and your dedicated bus accident lawyer could help you clearly identify all of them.
Property Damage
You could seek compensation for damage to your vehicle and any of its contents if you were not a bus passenger at the time of the accident.
Medical Bills
The medical expenses you face after a bus accident can be overwhelming, and they may continue long-term. If your injuries are very serious, develop complications, or lead to secondary healthcare concerns, the financial impact could be even more severe.
Lost Earnings
If your ability to work, earn wages, or continue advancing your career is affected, your lost income could amount to serious financial damage.
Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional pain and suffering you experience post-accident can be significant. Pursuant to S.C. Code § 15-32-210(9), these non-economic damages are also compensable.
Contact an Experienced Walterboro Lawyer Today To Discuss Your DUI Bus Crash Claim
Drunk driving bus accidents in Walterboro can cause immense damages. If an impaired bus driver caused a crash that injured you, it is time to consult an experienced bus accident attorney at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda. We are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve, so contact us online or give us a call today.
