Bus Accident Lawyer: Are Municipalities Responsible for Bus Accidents?
Buses are a popular form of transportation for millions of Americans across the country. Each day on your commute you see at least a dozen buses that you don’t even give a second look to, However, what happens when you are riding a bus and an accident occurs or if you are in your car and are involved in a crash with the bus.
Can the municipality be held responsible? The answer is not as simple as yes or no. The answer is, it depends on who owns the bus. Regardless of if you were a passenger or in another vehicle, you need the help of a bus accident lawyer from Thomas J. Henry.
Who owns the Bus
The first hurdle is determining who owns the bus and as such who owes you the duty of care If the bus is owned and operated by a government entity, there are specific limitations to how the claim will play out. If a private party owns the bus then a lawsuit should be filed with the assistance of a bus accident lawyer who can determine the liable parties and whom to name in the claim. There are fewer monetary limitations when the bus is owned by a private entity. In both instances, the process can be arduous.
Victims of Bus Crashes
If you are the driver of another vehicle who was involved in a bus accident there are some limitations you will need to be aware of that will be discussed in the next section. However, you will be entitled to sue various parties who can be found at fault for the accident. This can include the municipality the bus was operating under.
A bus accident can leave long-lasting injuries that can take years to recover from. You should be compensated for your injuries. Your car will more than likely be totaled as a result and will cause you to miss work and other important life events. You will need to hire a bus accident lawyer to obtain compensation for your damages.
Passengers on the Bus
The limitations we mentioned above concerning a claim against a government-owned bus are the claim must be made within six months of the accident. A verdict or settlement over $500,000 can be paid over a long period and not in one lump sum. Lastly, the plaintiff cannot seek punitive damages. Passengers on the bus must also be aware of common carrier stipulations when filing a claim which we will discuss shortly. Passengers on the bus are not limited to suing the bus driver and bus company but can also sue any other liable party such as another driver, the bus manufacturer, bus supplier, and others.
Common Carrier Laws
Common carriers are public buses, trains, trolleys, and in some cases taxis and school buses. The common carrier, in this case, the public bus owes a higher duty of care to its passengers than any other person. The bus driver must still be found to have been negligent in causing the accident or injury. A bus accident lawyer can walk you through the facts of the case. Call Thomas J. Henry at 866-517-5659 today for a case evaluation.
Contact an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our team of experienced bus accident attorneys are available to evaluate your claim 24/7, nights and weekends. Thomas J. Henry Law has the financial resources and the track record of winning that you need in a law firm. Contact us today for a free case review. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Austin, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.
