Buses are one of the most common and easily accessible methods of public transportation. No matter which city or state you visit, you are likely to find numerous bus stations and public and private buses. The abundance of buses also means that there is a chance that you may encounter an accident while traveling on a bus.
Although rare, bus accidents can be quite dangerous for everyone involved. It is because most of the buses do not have sufficient safety precautions and tools installed in them, and a major accident can cause significant bodily harm to the passengers. Aside from their unique danger profile, bus crashes are also different from other car accidents because finding the liable party in the wake of the accident can be a very challenging task.
Importance of Legal Representation
Due to the complicated nature of bus accidents and the resulting lawsuits, it is advisable to contact an experienced attorney right away. Obtaining legal consultation, especially with an experienced bus accident lawyer at Reyes Law Firm in Dallas,TX, as soon as possible can help you gain a better understanding of your rights and understand the intricacies of the situation.
Usually, there is a time limit for the case to be filed against the bus company or government entity in charge of the transport system. After this time passes, you can no longer seek compensation for your financial damages. The number and severity of injuries can vary between different passengers, and the compensation each passenger receives also varies accordingly.
The difference in the impact of the accident on each passenger means that instead of pursuing a class-action lawsuit against the bus company, each passenger can file a separate lawsuit seeking damage compensation based on the extent to which they were affected by the accident.
Who is Liable?
Since buses are not owned by the passengers, there is little chance that the passengers carry insurance that will cover damages caused due to a bus crash. The complicated legal nature of bus accidents is compounded by the fact that in some cases, the companies that own the buses are free from liability for the accidents.
In case a car crashes into a bus where another driver is at fault for the accident, the passengers can file insurance claims against the driver of the other vehicle. If the bus driver himself is at fault for the accident, the insurance claim becomes more challenging because most public buses are owned and operated by the local government authorities. These government authorities may be immune to liability due to self-insurance. The rules and regulations can vary according to different States.
What Can You Do?
Aside from contacting the police right away and getting out of any immediate danger, you should seek medical attention for your injuries. You should try to document the accident yourself and obtain as much photographic evidence of the scene of the accident as possible.
Taking audio statements from any witnesses is also an essential step towards ensuring an airtight legal case. Also, as mentioned earlier, contacting an attorney experienced in road traffic and bus accidents should be your foremost priority.
