Bus accidents are more common than you might think. From public transportation to school buses to private charters, people rely on these vehicles every day. As a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle, you can suffer serious harm in a bus crash. A Sandusky bus accident lawyer has experience in this field and can handle the many challenges you face in bringing a claim forward.
Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter know the next steps to take if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus collision.
Potential Causes of Bus Accidents
There are several potential causes of a bus crash, and getting to the root cause of is a vital part of proving negligence. An accident may be the result of driver error, vehicle defects, or a combination of both. An attorney familiar with bus accidents may call on experts to help determine the cause and hold the right parties accountable.
A bus driver can exhibit negligent or dangerous behaviors in many ways. They might drive while impaired or suffering fatigue from a lack of sleep. A company may not invest enough in driver training, leading to potentially fatal mistakes on the road. In determining whether the driver is at fault, a lawyer would examine the police report, plus the driver’s record, training, and employment history.
Often these crashes occur because of poor maintenance or defective parts. For example, if the owner does not routinely inspect and maintain the brakes, or a mechanic missed a defective part during inspection, a serious crash can occur. Many parties may contribute to the poor performance of a vehicle, including the owner, manufacturer, distributor, and maintenance company. These lawsuits are complex, and a Sandusky bus crash attorney could help bring all potentially responsible parties to the table.
Proving Negligence and Damages in a Bus Accident Case
In Ohio, a victim has two years from the date of the accident to bring a bus accident lawsuit. For litigation to be successful, the injured party must prove both liability and injury. Liability refers to who or what was responsible for the accident, while injury can include all of the harm suffered, such as bodily injuries, medical costs, property damage, and emotional trauma. An injured party has the burden of proving that the defendant breached a duty of care they owed to others and that this resulted in harm.
Generally, a common carrier like a commuter or school bus owes a higher duty of care than an automobile driver. Bus companies must hire and train qualified drivers, keep the buses in working order, and take all reasonable and necessary steps to protect passengers.
Injuries may range from minor scratches to debilitating life-long problems or even death. A Sandusky attorney could collect evidence of the injuries sustained in the bus collision and the impact they have had on the person’s life. A claim could include request for compensation for things like past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other emotional, physical, and financial damage.
Connect with a Sandusky Bus Accident Lawyer Today
You trust that when your children board a school bus, they are safe. When you ride public transit buses, you believe drivers will exercise caution, and the vehicle is well-maintained. Unfortunately, thousands of bus accidents happen every year, injuring passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus crash, call a Sandusky bus accident lawyer for help and legal support. Our team of attorneys knows the challenges you face in trying to get compensation for injuries. Call Tittle & Perlmuter today to discuss your case.
