An articulated bus is an extra-long public transit vehicle that consists of two sections connected by a flexible joint or "accordion" section in the middle, allowing the bus to bend when turning corners. These buses are much longer than regular buses and can carry significantly more passengers, making them popular in busy urban areas with high ridership. The articulated joint allows the bus to navigate city streets and make turns despite being up to 60 feet long, compared to about 40 feet for a standard bus.
In personal injury law, articulated buses can present unique safety challenges and liability issues due to their size, weight, and the mechanical complexity of the articulated joint system. Accidents involving these buses can be more severe due to their massive size, and mechanical failures in the articulation system could potentially cause accidents if the joint malfunctions or if the bus jackknifes. If someone is injured by an articulated bus, the case might involve examining whether the bus was properly maintained, whether the driver was adequately trained to operate such a large vehicle, and whether the transit agency followed proper safety protocols for these complex vehicles.
