There are many different reasons why a bus accident might occur. On long charter bus trips, for example, driver fatigue could play a role. In other cases, bus accidents are related to poor vehicle maintenance or negligence on the part of another driver. However, the most common cause of bus accidents remains the bus driver’s negligence.
If you are injured in a bus accident due to the driver’s error, you would like file a claim with the insurance provider of the bus company or agency.
Finding the defendant
Let’s take another look at that charter bus example. If you are on a long bus trip and the driver’s inattentiveness led to the accident, then the charter company is likely the liable party. If, however, the accident occurred because the bus had been poorly maintained, the company in charge of maintaining the fleet of buses could be responsible. These companies could be one in the same — it is important to do your research and find out.
Keep in mind that many buses are owned by municipalities, regional transit authorities or school districts. There are additional rules you must consider in these circumstances. There are very specific laws governing how personal injury claims can be brought against government entities.
If you wish to file a claim against the city for a bus accident, for example, you must provide notice to the city within a certain amount of time. If you don’t, you will be prohibited from filing a claim in the future.
To learn more about how to proceed with a lawsuit if you have been injured in a bus accident, meet with an experienced Bradenton personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.