If you suffered injuries in a public transportation accident, you might be entitled to compensation, whether you were a bus passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or an occupant of another vehicle. Bus drivers have an obligation to operate these vehicles safely, and when the drivers fail to do so, the law requires them to pay for the harm they caused.
It is advantageous to seek an injury attorney soon after a wreck so you have a professional advocating for your interests from the very beginning. A Lakewood bus accident lawyer can help file your claim and fight on your behalf for the recovery you deserve.
Buses Are Common Carriers
As common carriers, transportation companies must adhere to enhanced safety standards because they make their money transporting passengers on public roads. Ohio Revised Code § 4506.03 requires anyone driving a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver, to have a commercial driver’s license.
An individual must receive specialized training to receive a commercial driver’s license. Holders of these licenses are also subject to background checks, health reporting requirements, more stringent limits on their blood alcohol concentration while driving, and more severe penalties for moving violations.
A knowledgeable attorney in Lakewood can investigate a particular bus driver after an accident and his or her employer to determine whether both parties met all the requirements applicable to common carriers and commercial license holders—any failure to do so may be evidence of negligence.
Negligent Parties are Liable to Pay Damages
An injured person seeking damages must prove that the defendant was negligent. To prove that a defendant was negligent, a plaintiff’s local attorney must demonstrate that the defendant failed to use reasonable care for the plaintiff’s safety. Notably, that failure must have also caused an accident that led to the plaintiff’s injuries to win damages from the defendant.
If a bus driver failed to use reasonable care, his or her employer might be liable for a plaintiff’s damages. However, other parties might also be held liable in a successful claim, including:
- Bus manufacturer
- Maintenance contractor
- Other involved drivers
- Local government responsible for road maintenance
The plaintiff might also bear some responsibility. Under these circumstances, state law still allows a plaintiff to collect damages as long as he or she carries no more than 50 percent of the responsibility for the collision.
Statutory Time Limits Apply in Lakewood
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for an individual seeking damages for personal injuries is two years. A court will not consider a claim if it is filed late, regardless of merit.
The state or a local government is sometimes a defendant in a bus accident lawsuit. School buses, city buses, and others are owned by or contracted to work for governments. Although special procedures apply when suing a unit of government, the statute of limitations remains at two years. Because of these strict limitations, it is crucial to reach out to a capable Lakewood lawyer as soon as possible to review a bus wreck claim to determine your next steps.
Consult A Lakewood Bus Accident Attorney for Assistance
Bus injury cases can be complicated because multiple parties are all trying to shift responsibility onto someone else. To avoid losing a potentially successful claim, it is crucial to have someone at the table fighting for your interests.
A Lakewood bus accident lawyer will use diligent efforts to help ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve. Make an appointment with Tittle & Perlmuter to meet with an experienced attorney today.
