Buses are cheap, reliable, and convenient forms of transportation that many use daily for commuting or travel. Bus crashes are less common than crashes involving passenger cars, but they do occur. Unfortunately, the massive size of the vehicles and the lack of safety equipment other vehicles provide can make the injuries from these collisions severe.
Some examples of injuries from the events include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and back or spinal cord damage. Companies transporting passengers for a fee have a legal duty to act reasonably and protect them from harm. When they do not, you can hold them accountable for your injuries with assistance from a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Contact a Lebanon bus accident lawyer at A.W. Smith Law Firm for help with a case.
Determining the cause of the crash and who is at fault are essential steps to hold them financially accountable in bus crash injury claims and obtaining compensation. Cases may name one or more defendants depending on the circumstances, and there may be several potentially liable parties.
Most collisions involving buses occur because of driver negligence. The claim will name them as a defendant when the accident results from operator errors, such as driver distractions, maneuvering mistakes, or recklessness. The case must establish how the event happened and why the driver was at fault.
Transportation companies, whether private or government agencies, are responsible for ensuring drivers receive adequate training, monitoring their employees to ensure compliance with the regulations, and maintaining vehicles. Federal and state agencies closely monitor and regulate the industry to prevent crashes and promote roadway safety.
When an accident occurs because the company fails to adhere to the requirements and handle its obligations, it could be partly or entirely liable for the damages. Determining whether the company is private or government is essential because the claims process and deadlines differ.
Crashes may also occur because of mechanical problems, such as brake failure. When these happen because of a defective part rather than lack of maintenance, the manufacturers may be financially responsible for the damages. Our bus accident lawyers in Lebanon at A.W. Smith Law Firm could collect evidence to prove who is at fault for a mechanical failure.
Accidents can also occur because of the actions of another third-party motorist. When driver negligence, such as speeding, recklessness, or aggressive driving, causes buses to crash, they could be financially responsible for the bodily injuries, property damage, and other losses passengers sustain.
Understanding the requirements to ensure compliance with the guidelines is vital for proving fault and obtaining an award for damages. The state’s statute of limitations requires that the injured person initiate legal action within five years of the bus accident.
If they are not aware of their injuries on the day of the collision, they have five years from the date of discovery. Missing the expiration date could mean losing eligibility to collect a payout from the responsible party.
When pursuing compensation from a state or local government agency, there are differences to be aware of to ensure compliance with the state legislation. The Missouri Tort Claims Act protects government workers from civil liability, except for a few exceptions, including accidents and injuries resulting from negligence.
When filing a formal injury claim against a government agency or employee, the plaintiff must notify them of their suit within 90 days of the accident. Our Lebanon bus crash attorney at the AW Smith Law Firm could handle the legal work to ensure compliance with the statutes.
Crashes involving all types of vehicles are common and happen for many reasons, but almost always involve driver errors. While they are less typical for buses, there is no way to avoid them entirely.
If you were a passenger, motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist involved in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you have every right to expect them to pay for the damages. Contact a knowledgeable Lebanon bus accident lawyer from A.W. Smith Law Firm soon to schedule a consultation.
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