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Are you or a loved one involved in a bus accident? Are you confused about your legal options and rights? Learn about bus accident lawsuits, as a personal injury lawyer explains.
Bus accidents are not uncommon and can be devastating for all parties involved. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Driver error: Distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can all lead to a bus crash.
- Poor maintenance: Buses require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they are safe for passengers and other drivers on the road. If a bus company fails to provide regular maintenance, it can lead to vehicle accidents.
- Bad weather conditions: Extreme weather can make driving more difficult and increase the risk of accidents.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, intercity buses accounted for 11 percent, and school bus crashes and transit buses accounted for 38 percent and 35 percent, respectively, of all buses involved in fatal crashes.
And in 2020, 46 school buses, 9 intercity buses, and 86 transit buses were involved in fatal crashes.
If you or a loved one has sustained a bus accident injury, the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a pedestrian hit by a bus, or a driver of another vehicle involved in the accident, you may be facing serious injuries, emotional trauma, financial strain—even wrongful death.
This article aims to demystify the process of a bus accident lawsuit.
Let us delve into the legal intricacies and the steps in pursuing such a lawsuit. Discover the importance of having an expert and experienced legal team in navigating this challenging process.
The Unique Nature of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents present unique circumstances that differentiate them from typical car accidents, such as number of passengers, vehicle size, and multiple liabilities.
Multiple Passengers
Buses are designed to carry many passengers, which can significantly increase the potential for injuries when an accident occurs.
Also, unlike cars and other motor vehicles, most commercial buses do not have seat belts or other standard safety features, which can further increase the risk of injury and fatalities.
Larger Vehicle Size
The sheer size and weight of buses can cause significant damage and injury in an accident. Their high center of gravity also makes them more prone to rollover accidents.
Varying Liabilities
Who’s liable in bus accidents becomes complex because of the number of parties involved—the bus driver, the bus manufacturer, the management company, other negligent drivers, manufacturers of faulty equipment, and government entities if the accident involved a public bus.
If you or a loved one are bus passengers involved in an accident, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in this specific area of law.
Determining Liability in Bus Accidents
Finding out who is at fault in a bus accident can be complex due to the various potential parties involved. It pays to know different liabilities (below) to determine the at-fault party and eventually seek compensation for minor to severe injuries.
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence could include situations where the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), is distracted while driving, or is driving while fatigued. In such cases, the driver and the bus company employing the driver can potentially be liable for the accident.
Bus Company Liability
Sometimes, the bus company itself may be at fault. This could be due to improper maintenance of the bus, lack of adequate driver training, negligent hiring practices, or failure to comply with safety regulations. If it’s proven that the bus company’s negligence contributed to the accident, they can be held responsible for damages.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, other parties may be at fault, like other drivers who acted negligently, manufacturers of faulty bus parts, or entities responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. These third parties can be liable if their actions contributed to the bus accident.
Government Liability
The relevant government agency could be liable if a public entity, such as a city or school district, operates the bus.
However, suing a government body comes with challenges and nuances due to sovereign immunity laws, which often protect such entities from lawsuits.
Exceptions exist, however. And a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can guide victims through this complex process.
Key Components of a Bus Accident Lawsuit
A bus accident lawsuit involves several critical components, each playing a vital role in building a compelling case for compensation:
a. Gathering Evidence
Evidence in the case of a bus accident could include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and official reports from law enforcement or accident reconstruction experts.
b. Medical Documentation
Comprehensive medical records include hospital visits, treatments received, medications prescribed, and any ongoing medical care needed. They can establish the severity of the injuries and link them directly to the bus accident.
c. Calculating Damages
Damages in a bus accident lawsuit can be broken down into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are quantifiable costs resulting from the accident, such as medical bills and lost wages.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating a bus accident lawsuit can come with unique challenges, which underscores the importance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
A knowledgeable attorney can help navigate these complexities and advocate for your rights.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations, a time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. Victims who fail to file a lawsuit within this period may lose their right to seek compensation. Understanding and adhering to these timelines can be crucial in a bus accident case.
Dealing with Large Bus Companies or Government Entities
In many bus accident cases, the defendant is a large bus company or even a government entity if the bus is publicly owned. These entities often have extensive legal resources, making it challenging for victims to navigate the lawsuit process.
Moreover, sovereign immunity laws can complicate matters further when a government body is involved.
Potential for Multiple Plaintiffs
Given the number of passengers it can carry, bus crashes can result in multiple accident victims. This can complicate the personal injury lawsuit, especially when determining and dividing victim compensation.
Victim of a Bus Accident? Let Frantz Law Group Guide Your Path to Justice
At Frantz Law Group, our experienced bus accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you navigate the legal process.
With varying liabilities in bus accidents and potential challenges such as dealing with large companies or government entities, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference. Our team of personal injury attorneys will gather evidence, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Don’t let a bus accident derail your life. Our law firm is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Let our bus accident lawyers help you navigate your personal injury claims. Get a rightful bus accident settlement and compensation for your losses and medical expenses.
Contact Frantz Law Group today for a free consultation and legal advice.