Tennessee bus accident draws attention to passenger safety

by | Jan 19, 2015

Out of the 43 people who were traveling on two buses that were involved in a tragic collision in November of 2014, 24 people were injured, three lost their lives and 16 escaped without harm, according to Local 8 Now News. As the Knoxville Police Department continues to investigate this bus accident, they have released information stating that both bus drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident.

Although both drivers have been tested for alcohol and drugs, officials will not find out whether these substances were involved in the accident until they receive the results from the tests, which may take weeks to complete. It is unclear as to what caused one bus to make an unexpected left-hand turn and crash into an oncoming bus traveling in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, these tragic occurrences are all too common to an accident attorney Cookeville.

Ensuring passenger safety on buses

Local 8 Now reported that both buses involved in the accident had received recent inspections, ensuring that all parts on the large vehicles were working correctly. While state school buses are not currently required to have seat belts, state officials are now looking into passing legislation which would require all new buses purchased after July 1, 2015 to have seat belts. The Southeastern Transportation Center and the University of Tennessee explains how buses are designed with high-backed seats, which function to cushion and protect passengers if the bus should collide with a smaller vehicle. When the bus crashed into another large bus while traveling at a high rate of speed, the safety mechanism was simply not enough to protect passengers from serious injury and death.

Bus accidents can cause serious injuries

With no safety restraints available, a large impact with a massive object may cause children and adults alike to fly out of their seats. Not only are they susceptible to broken bones and lacerations from flying objects, but they may develop a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage or internal organ damage from the impact. In some cases, mild brain injuries or certain spinal cord injuries may not show symptoms for several days after the incident occurs. A knowledgeable accident attorney in Cookeville knows that these injuries can cause severe damage if left unattended. All of the medical expenses, including surgical intervention, therapy and medication can become quite expensive.

Fortunately, an accident attorney Cookeville may be able to help the injured victim receive compensation to cover these expenses.