Bus accidents have been in the news in recent years. Whether a St. Louis school bus accidents or a tour bus accident elsewhere in Missouri, charter bus operations and busing companies have an obligation to provide safe passage.

St. Louis Bus Accident Attorney Ryan R. Cox and the staff at our law offices understand how complex a personal injury or wrongful death claim can be in the wake of a serious or fatal Missouri bus accident. At-fault drivers may include the bus driver or drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident. The bus maintenance company, bus leasing company and bus owner may also be liable. Even the bus manufacturer may share blame. Out-of-state attorneys and insurance companies further complicate the issue. And multiple and competing claims from accident victims is standard.

St. Louis School Bus Accidents

Recent high-profile bus accidents include the Missouri school bus accident in August 2010 that killed two and injured dozens of students on their way to Six Flags amusement park. Nationwide, a substantial number of all school bus accident victims are bicyclists or pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safe loading and unloading is critical to school bus safety, as is safety around bus stops.

Tour Bus Accidents in Missouri

In the last few years, the rash of fatal accidents involving low-fare bus carriers has drawn the attention of safety advocates. After a string of deadly accidents in 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration began touting stepped up enforcement efforts. However, the reality of buying tour bus tickets is that it’s a case of “Buyer Beware,” which is never more true than when dealing with the slew of low-fare carriers that have cropped up in recent years.

A surprise safety blitz in 2011 resulted in the inspection of 3,000 passenger buses. About 1 in 6 was deemed so unsafe that they were immediately removed from the road. A total of 127 drivers and 315 buses were placed out of service.

Price is important. But there are other considerations when choosing a tour bus company. Look up a company’s record using its DOT number, which will give you safety and insurance information, as well as accident reports and out-of-service reports.

Other considerations when choosing a busing company:

• Condition of buses, equipment
• Company policies (cancellation, etc.)
• Driver experience
• Consumer complaints

If you are involved in a Missouri bus accident, please contact St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney Ryan R. Cox at our law offices. We will personally meet with you, free of charge, either at one of our offices, at your home or in the hospital.