Useful tips for Milwaukee bus trip planners to avoid bus accidents
On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Commercial Vehicle Accidents on Friday, August 29, 2014.
In the United States, there are over 4,000 motorcoach companies that are currently listed with the federal government as for-hire operators. This means that they are authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to convey passengers in exchange for a fee. As the cost of travel increases, many churches, social organizations and other groups of friends are turning to hiring a commercial bus as a less expensive way to get their groups to their destinations.
Milwaukee Bus Trip Planners Tips
If you have been tasked with finding a motorcoach company on behalf of your organization, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety of your group.
— Make sure that the motorcoach company has a U.S. Department of Transportation number and is currently registered with the FMCSA. This ensures that the carrier is a legitimate organization and has complied with certain DOT regulations.
— It is recommended that a motorcoach company remain insured for coverage of at least $5 million.
–Depending on the age and physical capabilities of your group, you may want to ensure that the motorcoach is equipped with wheelchair lifts and wheelchair storage areas.
–The FMCSA issues three types of ratings for bus companies: satisfactory, conditional and unsatisfactory. It’s best to hire a company with a satisfactory rating. You can check to a company’s rating here.
— Any safe bus trip depends largely on the driver. Make sure that your driver has a valid commercial driver’s license that includes an endorsement to carry passengers. CDL bus drivers are also required to carry a valid medical examiner certificate. Make sure your driver has one.
Wisconsin residents have a right to arrive safely at their destinations. Despite all reasonable safety precautions, commercial vehicle and bus accidents occur throughout the state as well as here in Milwaukee. These accidents are not limited to buses. They can occur with mail delivery vans, taxis and generally any truck used in a commercial manner.
If you’ve been harmed as a result of a bus accident or similar event, it may be possible for you to sue the commercial carrier to recover your medical expenses, lost wages and other related costs.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Look before you book” Aug. 25, 2014
Do you need legal advice from a Milwaukee personal injury attorney? Contact Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. today for a free consultation.