WHO IS LIABLE FOR A BUS ACCIDENT?

The bus driver may not be the only liable party when a crash occurs. Bus drivers still owe a duty of care to other drivers on the road, meaning you may have a case against them if their specific negligent actions (such as driving while intoxicated or failing to follow traffic laws) led to the collision. Other parties may be liable depending on the type of bus involved and the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Parties liable for a bus accident may include:

• The bus driver
• The bus driver’s private employer
• The bus’s manufacturer
• The government entity that owns and operates the bus
• A third-party contractor that is responsible for hiring the bus driver, operating the bus, or supplying the bus with maintenance and parts

Quickly determining liability after a bus accident is extremely important, as you will have less time to pursue legal action against government entities. Our bus accident attorneys can review what happened and help you understand your options for recovering compensation.

HOW ARE CASES INVOLVING GOVERNMENT BUSES DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BUS ACCIDENT CASES?

Many of the buses you encounter on a daily basis are owned and operated by a government municipality. This includes public transit buses as well as school buses.

Different rules apply when you are involved in an accident with a government-owned bus. Each state enforces its own laws, but you will usually have less time than in a typical personal injury case to bring a claim against the applicable government entity. Some municipalities only give you several weeks to start the legal process, making it especially critical that you get in touch with Potts Law Firm right away. If you wait too long, you may be unable to recover any damages.

You generally get more time to take legal action against non-government entities, including private bus drivers, their employers, and manufacturers of defective components. There are still deadlines you must meet, but they tend to be more generous than timelines in cases involving the government.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A BUS ACCIDENT?

No matter the type of bus involved, there are certain steps you should take to legally protect yourself after an accident if you are well enough to stay at the scene. Gathering certain types of information before leaving the crash site can make it easier to build a case and recover compensation.

After suffering injuries in a bus accident, you should:

• Call the Police: In most states, you must call the police after an accident if anyone is injured. Even if summoning law enforcement is not required, it is still in your best interest to do so, as the responding officer will create a crash report that establishes what happened. Be objective and direct when describing the collision to the police officer and avoid saying anything that implies you were at fault.
• Gather Evidence: Take photographs of your injuries and damage to your vehicle. You should also get as many photos and videos of the crash scene as possible, including any road or weather conditions that may have played a role in the accident.
• Get Contact Information: You will need the bus driver’s name, phone number, address, license information, and insurance information. You must also get the name, phone number, and address of their private or government employer. Try to get the contact information of any witnesses (on or off the bus) who may be able to provide valuable testimony.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, you should see your doctor as soon as you can after a bus accident. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms or be difficult to detect without professional medical assistance. A prompt medical evaluation will also establish a direct link between the accident and any injuries. Be sure to get a copy of the medical report and closely follow all treatment advice.
• Reach out to Potts Law Firm: Time limits involving government-owned buses are especially short, so do not wait to get legal assistance. We are ready to get to work on your case and will ensure you do not miss any pertinent deadlines.

WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECOVER IN A BUS ACCIDENT LAWSUIT?

The types and extent of compensation you may be able to recover for bus accident injuries will depend on whether the vehicle was government- or privately-owned. Most states “cap,” or limit, the scope of damages you can recover when you sue the government. Far fewer limits tend to apply when you sue a private entity, such as the operator of a tour or private transportation bus company. We can walk you through what limits apply in your case and what you can expect to recover.

Our bus accident lawyers will fight to get you maximum compensation for all losses, including:

• Past, current, and future medical bills
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium