Bus Accident Statistics Reveal Risks to Alaska Motorists
While bus transportation is one of the safest ways to get around Anchorage, between cities in Alaska, and longer distances, the risk of bus collisions persists. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that more than 27,200 people are injured in bus accidents every year, but the statistics on fatal crashes are even more disturbing. There are around 237 deadly collisions involving buses, leading to the deaths of 47 bus occupants. However, a total of 278 people are killed in these incidents, so the threat to non-passengers is extreme.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash involving a city, regional, or long-distance bus service, Alaska personal injury laws provide you with rights. You can recover compensation by proving the essential elements of a negligence case, though there can be challenges in the process. An Anchorage bus accident attorney can assist with obstacles, and more information on these incidents is useful.
Additional Data on Bus Crashes
To start off with the good news, just 1.4% of the 995,000 buses registered in the US are involved in fatal and injury-causing accidents every year. Other statistics reveal both encouraging and concerning statistics, however:
- From 2018 to 2019, the number of buses involved in deadly crashes dropped from 238 to 232, including 84 school buses, 15 intercity buses, and 78 transit buses. These are the lowest figures recorded since the government began tracking traffic-related deaths through the Fatality Analysis Recording System (FARS) in 1975.
- Intercity buses comprise the lowest number of fatal bus collisions at 12%, followed by transit buses at 34%.
- Shockingly, school buses account for the highest amount of bus accidents, at 39%.
- The deadliest year for bus collisions was 1978, when there were 370 crashes causing 41 bus occupant fatalities and 371 deaths to occupants of other vehicles.
- The worst year for injury-causing bus accidents was 1999, in which 36,000 victims were hurt.
Challenges with Alaska Bus Accident Claims
The legal process is generally the same as other motor vehicle crashes, though there are some pitfalls that could affect your rights and/or compensation:
- There are special rules covering bus services which are operated by the government or receive public funds, including school buses.
- Alaska’s statute of limitations applies to bus accidents, so you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit in court.
- The state law on contributory negligence also affects bus collision claims, potentially reducing your compensation if you were negligent in causing the accident. This rule is more likely to affect drivers of other vehicles who were speeding or violating other traffic laws.
Talk to an Alaska Bus Accident Lawyer About Legal Remedies
These challenges could stand in the way of recovering fair compensation for your losses, so it is wise to get help with the legal process. Our team at Power & Power Law will handle all essential tasks, so please contact us to set up a free case review. You can reach our Anchorage, Alaska office by calling 907-222-9990 or visiting our website.