Los Angeles Church Bus Accident Attorneys
Churches often provide opportunities for congregants to travel together on missions of goodwill and exploration or to transport children to Sunday school and other activities. Unfortunately, the buses used for such outings have been involved in a disproportionate number of bus crashes in recent years, many of which result in serious passenger injuries and deaths.
When church bus crashes are caused by bus driver negligence, defective bus parts, bus company oversight or improper bus maintenance, serious injury and even death can result. The Los Angeles church bus accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP offer our many years of experience and unmatched skill to individuals who have been injured and family members of those who have been killed in church bus collisions and any other type of motor vehicle accident. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family, which is why we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that justice is obtained.
Church Transportation Risks
What are some of the factors that put church bus riders at additional risk? One major issue according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is that many churches use 15-passenger vans, which were cited as recently as 2010 in a consumer advisory specifically targeted toward church groups and other non-profit organizations. In the wake of two fatal church bus accidents that took the lives of 10 people in New York and Georgia, the NHTSA cautioned that users of these vans need to do the following:
- Properly maintain the vehicle, particularly the tires
- Ensure drivers are fully trained, licensed and experienced in 15-passenger van operation
- Make sure they are never overloaded with passengers
- Confirm that the bus tires are properly sized, inflated and not showing signs of wear before driving
Church Bus Crash Liability
Church buses are often exempt from laws in that drivers are required to wear seat belts but generally these exemptions do not apply to passengers. Many church buses are older models that don’t have seat belts for passengers, so even voluntary use is not an option. Statistical evidence demonstrates that passengers in any vehicle are more likely to survive an accident, particularly if the vehicle rolls over, if they were properly restrained in their seats. Due to the large size and weight of buses often used for church transportation, bus occupants can be flung throughout the inside of the bus in the event of a rollover or may even be ejected from the bus through a window.
Strength by Your Side
The California church bus accident attorneys of Panish Shea & Boyle LLP are national leaders in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Our law firm has been recognized as a “Tier 1” Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation Firm by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers®. Within the last five years, our attorneys have acquired more than fifteen verdicts and settlements over $10 million for our clients. If a church bus owner has failed to properly maintain his or her transport, allowed an unqualified driver to get behind the wheel or otherwise failed to ensure the safety of you and your family while on board, he or she may be held responsible for any injuries or loss of life that may result. Please contact our law firm by calling 1-877-800-1700 to discuss your legal options.
Panish Shea & Boyle LLP - Strength By Your Side™
