Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterford, CT

Bus drivers are professional drivers tasked with transporting passengers safely to their destinations. As a result, they are held to higher safety standards. The law has no tolerance for impaired bus drivers because drunk driving bus accidents in Waterford are extremely dangerous. If you have been injured in such an accident, hiring one of our experienced bus crash attorneys at Polito & Harrington LLC could help.

Impaired Bus Drivers

Commercial drivers, including bus drivers, are prohibited from operating commercial vehicles when under the influence of alcohol. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes the following regulations for those who have a commercial driver’s license:

  • Bus drivers cannot report to work with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04 percent or higher, which is considerably lower than the .08 percent BAC limit set for other drivers
  • Bus drivers cannot consume alcohol within four hours of duty
  • Bus drivers cannot possess alcohol on the job
  • Bus drivers refusing to be tested for alcohol consumption result in an immediate violation of FMCSA rules

In Waterford, the accident risk associated with impaired bus driving is so great that the law takes a zero-tolerance approach.

How Alcohol Affects Safe Driving

Bus drivers bear an immense responsibility for passenger safety and everyone else on the road. Alcohol consumption directly conflicts with this obligation in each of the following ways:

  • Lapsed judgement
  • Decreased decision-making ability
  • Limited attention span
  • Lowered inhibitions and increased impulsivity
  • Impaired coordination
  • Decreased risk detection
  • Decreased reaction times

Any one of these can prove deadly when driving a bus.

Legal Challenges of Bus Accident Claims Involving Impairment

Many of the buses that operate locally are public transportation buses. This means they are operated by governmental entities rather than private parties, which adds a layer of legal complication. For example, the time limits that apply are abbreviated. Working closely with a trusted lawyer in Waterford immediately after a bus crash due to driving under the influence (DUI) is in your best interest.

How Could a Dedicated Attorney’s Legal Guidance Help?

Your experienced accident attorney could skillfully navigate the steps of your claim effectively and efficiently if you have been in a bus wreck in Waterford involving a DUI.

Developing an Effective Legal Strategy

Your case is unique to you and the particular circumstances. A reputable lawyer could carefully consider your claim’s specifics and focus efforts to strategize the best approach to your case.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

Extensive investigations are an important part of the claim process. Your legal representation may gather the evidence and testimonies necessary to build a compelling case.

Engaging in Skilled Negotiations

This step involves your attorney leveraging their legal insight and experience in negotiations with the insurance company. If the involved insurance provider refuses to engage in reasonable negotiations, you could expect your bus accident attorney to be well prepared and ready for court.

Resolving Your Claim

Ultimately, your claim may be resolved with a settlement or court award that addresses the full range of covered losses. This includes your medical costs, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Contact an Experienced Waterford Attorney if You Were Involved in an Impaired Driving Bus Accident

Drunk driving bus accidents in Waterford are closely associated with very serious losses. If you were injured in an accident involving a drunk bus driver, our seasoned attorneys at Polito & Harrington LLC have an impressive reputation for successfully resolving these challenging claims. Contact us today to learn more about what we could do to help you.

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