Accidents involving buses can lead to serious injuries for passengers as well as other motorists. Many times, these accidents occur because someone failed to uphold their legal obligations, and as a result, put people at risk of injury.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation to offset the effects of the collision. A bus accident lawyer could review the circumstances of your case and explain your options for pursuing recovery. Opportunities to act are limited, however, so you should consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following a crash.
Who Could be Liable in a Bus Accident Case?
Bus accidents differ from other motor vehicle collisions in many respects. Unlike some cars, government organizations or businesses control operation over buses rather than individuals. Therefore, in a case, many parties may share in the responsibility for causing a wreck. Some responsible parties may include:
- A distracted or fatigued driver
- An entity that left debris or other hazards in the roadway
- Other motorists driving irresponsibly
- Other motorists driving irresponsibly
- Bus passengers behaving improperly
- A maintenance company that failed to inspect or repair the bus properly
- The manufacturer of defective bus components
- The bus driver’s employer
An attorney could investigate a bus accident case to determine the parties who may be held liable. Because buses can carry many passengers, the potential for injuries and their resulting losses may be much higher than in other motor vehicle crashes.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Crash Claim?
The state allows someone injured in an accident only a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation. For personal injuries, Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 requires that a potential claimant file a lawsuit within two years of the accident. However, if the case names the state government as a defendant, then the claim must be filed through different procedures in the state Court of Claims. A bus accident attorney could work to ensure that a claim is prepared and filed within the allotted time in the appropriate court.
Establishing Negligence
In some bus crash cases, injuries are not the result of deliberate wrongdoing but careless or irresponsible behavior. When someone owes a duty to others and fails to fulfill this legal obligation, this is considered negligence. If negligent behavior is the direct cause of harm to others, the responsible party may be held legally accountable for the resulting injuries.
For instance, those hired to inspect and repair buses owe a duty of care to those who operate and ride on these vehicles. If they fail to exercise reasonable care in bus maintenance, they may be held responsible. A lawyer could present evidence to show how negligent misconduct caused the injuries at issue in a bus accident case.
Speak with a Bus Accident Attorney
If you suffered injuries in a bus crash, you could be eligible to receive compensation for your economic and emotional losses. To recover, however, you must prove that the negligence or other wrongdoing of another caused your injuries. A bus accident lawyer could start right away collecting and preserving evidence to prove liability. For an initial case consultation, call our dedicated attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter today.
