Though it is not a common occurrence, when bus accidents happen, it can be catastrophic for passengers on the bus and people outside of the vehicle. Because of the vehicle’s enormous size and the number of passengers they carry, a crash can cause many people to sustain severe injuries at the same time. Furthermore, passenger buses also do not have the same safety equipment as cars, such as seat belts and airbags.
It is important to work with a seasoned local attorney who has successfully handled accident cases involving common carrier vehicles. A Mableton bus accident lawyer could provide essential insight into your case and help you fight for the compensation you are owed.
The legislation holds bus operators to a high standard, and they must provide a more significant duty of care to ensure they protect the passengers. Civil claims are complex for bus crashes. The party claimants will seek damages from will depend on the circumstances of the collision.
If the driver was negligent, the lawsuit would show them as the defendant. If there was a mechanical issue, the entity that controls the buses or the manufacturer could be liable. Finally, a third-party outside of the bus could be the negligent party sometimes. Often, there may be two or more defendants in injury claims after a bus crash. An experienced Mableton attorney could investigate the cause of the bus accident to find the responsible parties.
Buses may get in collisions for many reasons, just like passenger car vehicles. However, the more common causes include:
The civil court will hold them financially accountable when careless actions cause a crash and subsequent damage. Quick action is necessary to find evidence and build a solid claim for compensation.
The statute of limitations is legislation that restricts the time a person has to file a lawsuit in personal injury cases. The Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33 states the plaintiff must file a claim for damages no more than two years after the cause of action.
However, municipal entities operate many commuter buses, and there are more rules and guidelines to follow. If the claimant is seeking damages from a government entity, they must notify the organization within six months of the bus crash then file the case with the civil court by the two-year deadline.
Failure to send the notice could cause the plaintiff to lose the opportunity to recover damages. A qualified bus crash lawyer in Mableton could handle the legal work on the plaintiff’s behalf and ensure file the civil case within regulation.
All buses, including commuter, school, or coach buses, must abide by strict safety regulations. Recovering damages after a bus crash is often a long and painful process that requires skillful investigation, litigation, and negotiations.
A hard-working Mableton bus accident lawyer has the experience necessary to help you through the civil claim process. If you were in a bus crash and sustained injuries, call today to schedule an appointment.
