We typically would not bring you a story so far from our coverage area, but a recent case involving a Pennsylvania bus driver highlights one of the many dangers we face on the roadways each day.
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 44-year-old Lori Ann Manko’s was allegedly driving a school bus under the influence of alcohol with 26 children on board. She has been charged with child endangerment.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we know that buses are a vital part of our transportation system, but that they can cause major injuries if they crash. If you need a Pittsburgh bus crash attorney, call us today so we can get to work on securing the compensation you need.
What Can Happen?
If you are a parent, then we realize the above story is a nightmare scenario. Thankfully, nobody was injured in this case, but the incident could have been much worse. Police say that Manko’s was seen driving erratically with those 26 students on board. If there had been a crash, the student and anyone else struck could have been seriously injured or killed.
We have plenty of buses in and around Pittsburgh and not just school buses. Aside from school buses, we have the much relied upon Port Authority bus system, long-distance transport buses, airport shuttles, and more.
Each of these vehicles usually weights tens of thousands of pounds. If they get into a crash, they can cause serious injuries to everyone involved. This includes the passengers (usually unrestrained) as well as victims inside of vehicles that are struck or unwitting pedestrians nearby. It is not uncommon for us to see the following injuries as a result of a bus crash:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Each of these injuries requires immediate medical attention and can lead to costly medical bills.
During the latest reporting year in Pennsylvania, we know there were:
- There were 567 commercial bus crashes
- There were 292 school bus crashes
In the context of the total crashes, this may not seem like a large number, but consider how many people each crash can affect.
Some of the main causes of bus crash revolve around bus driver error (distracted driving, intoxicated driving, inattention) and vehicle failure due to companies and agencies not performing regular inspections and maintenance on their vehicles.
Moving Forward From Here
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus crash that was caused due to another person’s negligence, please seek legal assistance as soon as you can. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we understand these cases and are ready to help you secure the compensation you need. This can include:
- Your medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against those responsible
If you need a Pittsburgh bus accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at 888-98-TWINS(89467).