Although seat belts are not required, many Americans still see riding the bus as a safe and efficient mode of transport. It is alarming to hear, however, that bus accidents, which can sometimes end in fatalities, are very common. Due to the increase of bus accidents involving children, many school districts across the country have elected to install seat belts. There are still many states that still do not have this requirement. The question is, then, who is responsible for these accidents?

Buses are very large, and are more difficult to maneuver than other vehicles, excepting semi trucks. They have a high capacity for passengers, so it is imperative that the operators of these buses have the proper training and skills to be a good driver. In regards to accessing negligence, it is not often clear who is at fault, because the federal and individual state laws generally are not in agreement. The definition of a "common carrier" bus is owned and operated by a company that transports people, or other goods and services for monetary gain. These common carrier services are normally open for public use.

These common carrier buses are mandated by federal and most state governments. The drivers are required by these laws to have the proper training to fulfill the duties of a bus driver. These drivers are held to very high, stringent standards and can be at fault in the case of an accident involving the bus they are driving. Once the insurance companies and the contractors of the bus company enter into legal actions, it often blurs the line of who is at fault. Since each state's individual government is involved in creating their own regulations for common carrier statuses, the legal avenues required vary greatly. Anyone involved in a bus related accident should retain an accident attorney as soon as possible.

If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a bus accident, there are a few things that you would be very wise to do. First would be to file an accident report with your local constabulary, if there are none present at the scene of the incident. As with any other vehicular accident, get the names, license numbers, insurance carriers, addresses, and driver's license numbers of all that were involved in thee incident. If possible, get the names of any witnesses, as well as how to reach them at a later date, if needed. If you have a camera, take pictures of the location, any injuries that may have occurred, and of any other vehicles that were involved. Do not talk to anyone about your injuries, if any, other than your medical doctor. Do not make a statement or sign any papers concerning that accident without your lawyer's recommendations.

Regardless of the type of accident, it is extremely important that you retain the services of a reputable, knowledgeable lawyer, if you have been in any type of accident, whether it be a bus or other vehicle accident.