Buses are an economical and environmentally friendly means of transportation, as they carry thousands of commuters and students every day across the United States. Cities, municipalities, counties, schools, and private organizations rely on buses to get their people where they need to be.
However, despite taking all required precautions, bus accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Some of the factors that increase the likelihood of bus accidents include poorly designed roads, vehicle defects, and driver negligence.
Whether in rural, urban, or suburban settings, a lot of people travel by bus daily. Just like other motor vehicle accidents, bus accidents usually involve collisions. If the bus driver’s negligence played a role in causing the crash, you can speak to a Bus Accident Lawyer to learn about your rights. Visit a website to get more information.
Most buses do not feature much safety equipment and very few provide seat belts for passengers. Therefore, the injuries can be even more severe in comparison to other vehicle accidents.
Unique Situations in Bus Accident Claims
Bus accidents can occur due to several causes, including collisions with other drivers, vehicle equipment damage, or improperly maintained roadways. Sometimes, inclement weather conditions can also lead to these life-threatening accidents.
If you have been involved in a bus collision and another party is responsible for causing the accident, they will likely be responsible for compensating you. In some cases, they will be considered to be reckless or negligent drivers and held accountable for your damages.
Bus Accidents Involving a Government Entity
In many situations, bus accidents occur because of driver error or negligence. The situation gets even more complicated when the bus is owned or operated by a government agency. The law for filing a personal injury claim in such a situation varies from state to state. You can still file a bus injury compensation claim, even if a government agency owns the bus. In most jurisdictions, these are the important facts to know:
- You will have to file a notice of claim.
- You will have to file additional documents when filing a lawsuit against a government agency.
- The time period for filing a claim against a government entity is even shorter than for most personal injury claims.
Therefore, you will have to be extremely cautious and take the necessary steps on time. If you fail to do so, your cause of action will not be considered, and you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation. For federal agencies, all claims against the government need to be made under the rules of the Federal Tort Claims Act, which is a highly complex law.
Filing Notice of Claim
When the government owns or operates the bus, you will have to file a separate notice of claim. The claim must include the following:
- A statement by the claimant asking for compensation
- A description of the incident for which the claimant is seeking compensation, including all the details about the accident’s timing, location, and circumstances
- Details of the losses and damages that the claimant incurred as a result of the accident
- Contact details of the claimant, including name and address
It is important to note that every state has different deadlines for filing a tort case against a local government entity. For example, in California, you can file it within six months. The government will then either approve or reject your claim accordingly. Therefore, you must refer to the rules followed by your state and municipalities. If you are in Philadelphia, you can seek consultation from Personal Injury Lawyers In Philadelphia.
To win compensation in a bus accident claim, you will be required to prove that you were not responsible for the accident. You will need to have sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the other party was negligent and caused the accident. Therefore, it is essential to focus on gathering the evidence. This can improve your chances of winning the bus accident compensation claim.
