Like cars, bus accidents do happen. When a bus driver causes an accident that leads to injuries, the driver and the bus company may be held liable for such injuries.
If you have been hurt as a commuter or have boarded a tour bus and an accident happened, you can learn who may be held liable for your injuries and other issues related to bus accidents from this guide.
What Involves Bus Accidents
What causes bus accidents is similar to the cause of other vehicle accidents. The only difference is that bus accidents are relatively rare. But when they happen, they cause major disruptions in a victim’s life. One is the kind of injuries sustained by occupants and the strict legal procedures when victims seek compensation. That’s why many victims choose to work with a personal injury lawyer in Wasilla in such incidents. Where some buses are private, others offer public services and are under a regulatory governmental body authority. Such has a higher duty of care when it comes to accidents, mainly because they operate or carry passengers at a fee. A unique added set of risks goes by the bus manufacturer’s design when it comes to bus accidents. For instance, a bus may be prone to rollover accidents due to its design. Again, most commuter buses don’t have airbags, not unless they are advanced. Meaning, chances of getting severely injured after an accident is much more severe compared to when one would be hurt in a car accident.
When a bus driver fails to use the required degree of care and vigilance and an accident happens, they may be held liable. Some of the reason why a driver may cause an accident could be due to:
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Bus mechanical failure
- Driver’s inexperience
- Driver was intoxicated
When an accident happens due to the above, this may cause serious injuries such as whiplash injuries, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, among other common car accident injuries.
Important Factors To Consider In Bus Accident Injury Claim
When it comes to negotiations for settlement or filing a claim, things may be pretty straightforward, especially when the accident’s bust driver was negligent.
If you have been injured and want to start the process of filing a claim, it vital to consider that two main factors will apply:
- You will be dealing with a government entity when making your claim. Such a procedure may be complicated. Typically, you must give a notice of claim which should include a statement that you intend to file a claim for injuries by the driver or a government entity. The time to give notice may even be as short as six months. You may also be required to provide details for how the bus accident occurred, among other things like providing your name and address. After the notice, the insurance company is left with the task of whether to accept or deny the claim.
- The statute of limitations for filing a claim. Bus accidents may require one to file their case within a short time. If you miss this, you lose your chance to file a lawsuit.
Many parties may be held liable for your injuries, such as:
- The bus driver
- Bus owner when it’s privately owned
- Bus manufacturer in case of defective design or auto parts such seatbelts and airbags
- The other driver if the accident involved a bus-car, motorcycle, or any other crash
For your personal injury case, you have to prove that the defendant was negligent enough to cause your injuries. The rule of negligence also applies to public transportation since the driver has a duty to act reasonably. The government entity should also make sure the bus is safe to drive. Since the above varies from state to state, it’s better to first speak with an experienced car accident attorney who may offer legal guidance.
Working With An Experienced Lawyer
Bus accidents can result in severe injuries or even death. If in such a situation, knowing where to begin and how to handle the responsible party is vital. Since this is difficult for an ordinary layperson, it’s better to have a personal injury lawyer discuss your case.
A good lawyer will tell you that it’s vital to get the proper medical treatment immediately after a bus accident. This way, you ensure that your health is safe and that you have the proper medical records to show the extent of your injuries to support your claim.
Bus accident injuries can result in severe injuries that may leave you disabled for the rest of your life. You will stop working since you can no longer handle your duties. Thus, you need help to know how to manage your case and get the best compensation. Your lawyer can guide you on whether there is a cap or limit on how much you may receive for your claim.
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