IndyGo, the state’s largest public transportation system, is plagued with high accident rates and injury claims linked to bus crashes.
IndyGo Accidents Prompt Safety Concerns
Over the last few years, IndyGo, Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, has encountered a lot of criticism for a high rate of bus accidents and passenger injuries. Indiana state officials have expressed concerns about safety for IndyGo riders, stating that IndyGo has not made passenger safety a priority, especially along the Red Line Route. City officials state that Indianapolis needs a lot of work to improve the conditions of the IndyGo bus system.
IndyGo transports approximately 33,000 riders each day within Marion County, with the largest city of Indianapolis. The transit system currently provides only one type of service with local buses that travel 30 fixed routes throughout the city. However, transportation statistics show that few people are riding IndyGo due to poor service, slow routes, inadequate stops, and a high rate of crashes.
Collisions involving commercial buses often result in catastrophic injuries or death due to the size and weight of the bus. The average full-sized bus weighs approximately 40,000 pounds. There are many factors that lead to commercial bus accidents, but most involve driver-related errors which are avoidable. Leading causes of accidents and injuries include:
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Unsafe backing
- Following too closely
- Improper turns
- Sudden stops
Some bus collisions seen by Indiana accident lawyers are related to driver drug and/or alcohol use, poor driver training, and malfunctioning bus equipment, factors that may constitute negligence on the part of the driver or the transit company.
Liability for Injuries
Common carriers are regulated by both federal and state laws that cover a wide range of safety requirements. Bus companies and bus drivers have a responsibility to ensure that regular inspections are completed to ensure maximum safety for all passengers and drivers.
If a commercial bus is involved in an accident, determining fault can be complicated. While driver error may seem like the obvious cause for the accident, most drivers are operating the vehicle under the employment of a larger transit company or bus company, so there may be several liable parties.
In most cases, bus companies are well-insured with coverage for themselves and their bus operators. This allows them to dedicate considerable resources to limit their overall liability for accidents and injury claims. A thorough investigation and a knowledgeable accident lawyer is usually necessary to prove fault.