Who Is Liable in a Bus Crash? Knowing Your Legal Rights
Bus accidents result in severe injuries, damage to property, and long-term financial losses, and victims are left questioning who is liable for their losses. In contrast to typical car accidents, bus accident liability is complicated, and there are several parties involved. Understanding the party responsible and a bus accident attorney in Orange will ensure you obtain a reasonable amount of compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Below is a list of who can be responsible in a bus accident and what legal steps you can take.
1. The Bus Driver
If the bus driver was negligent or driving recklessly and caused the accident, they can be held liable. Driver-related causes of bus accidents are most commonly:
- Speeding or dangerous driving
- Distracted driving (eating, texting, or GPS use)
- Consumption and driving under alcohol or drugs
- Fatigue caused by prolonged driving time
- Failure to follow traffic laws
2. The Employer or Bus Company
If the private transport company, tour group, or charter service owns the bus which was involved in the accident, then the company is responsible because:
- Lack of proper training of drivers
- Negligent employment of careless or incompetent drivers
- Neglect of regular vehicle maintenance
- Ignoring driver fatigue regulations
3. Government Agencies or Public Transport
If the accident happened on a public bus, like a city or school bus, then the government agencies are liable. These are complex because suing a government agency will typically have tighter time constraints and procedures. The victims must act quickly so that their claim is still valid for which they need a bus accident attorney in Orange.
4. Another Vehicle on the Road
Oftentimes, there is some other motorist (not the driver of the bus) who has caused the accident. If a careless car or truck driver caused the bus to crash, then they are liable for:
- Red light or stop sign violation
- Sudden or hard braking for the bus or unsafe lane change
- Driving under the influence
5. The Parts Supplier or Bus Manufacturer
If the crash was the result of mechanical failure, such as brake failure, tire blowout, or engine failure, the bus manufacturer or the supplier of the parts may be held responsible under product liability laws. It is essential to prove that a faulty or defective part led to the crash in such cases.
6. Road Maintenance Agencies
Worn-out roads can also cause bus accidents. If potholes that result in accidents, unmarked road work areas, or lack of traffic signs were involved, state or local road maintenance authorities can be held liable.
Your Legal Options After a Bus Accident
If the accident occurred in a bus and injured you, by following the correct legal procedure, you will be compensated. This is what you need to do:
- Get medical care right away to record injuries.
- Gather evidence, including accident site photographs, vehicle damage, and witness statements.
- Obtain the information of the bus company or transit authority, including insurance.
- Hire a professional bus accident attorney in Orange to represent your case, determine liability, and file a claim on your behalf.
Bus accidents are full of intricate questions of liability, and there can be multiple parties who are liable. A lawyer will walk you through legal issues, handle the insurance companies, and secure you a reasonable settlement.
About Us: We are a group of attorneys and solicitors specializing in personal injury cases. We also write content on personal injury from time to time to help victims understand their options and the intricacies associated with personal injury lawsuits.
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