(407) 712-7300Who is responsible if I am in a bus accident?
Bus accidents are typically complex, and it is often difficult to assess who is at fault. If you are a passenger on a bus, either the bus driver or another vehicle involved is probably at fault. The courts will assess fault and award damages to the victims through a trial, or by reaching a settlement.
What is a common carrier?
Transportation companies that provide their services to the public are known as common carriers; transit companies, airlines, and passenger trains are all classified as common carriers. Since they serve public transportation needs, they are responsible of ensuring the safety of their passengers. In the event of an accident, the driver and the carrier may be held liable for damages.
What should I do if I am involved in a bus accident?
The first thing to do is seek medical attention. Even if you do not need to be transported to the emergency room, it is a good idea to be examined by a physician. This will help you create an initial record of the accident. Write down the bus driver’s name, bus number, and any other pertinent information.
If the accident involved injuries requiring transport of injured people, vehicle towing, or fatalities, the accident will likely be well documented. Smaller accidents will have less of a paper trail but may still cause a personal injury that you’ll need to document if you decide to file a suit.
What should I do if I am in another vehicle involved in a bus accident?
You would need to treat it as any other vehicle accident by calling the police and filing a report. Make sure that you cooperate with the authorities and any insurance representative from the bus company, but be sure not to imply in any way that you were at fault. Contact an experienced bus accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What sorts of injuries are possible in a bus accident?
Since most buses don’t have seat belts, serious personal injury and even death may occur. Some injures that may happen in a bus accident claim include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Brain injury
- Cuts and bruises
Many accidents result in fatalities. If you have a loved one who is killed in a bus accident, you may be eligible to collect damages by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Please contact an experienced bus accident attorney at Colling Gilbert Wright as soon as possible to schedule your FREE initial consultation. We can be reached online or by phone at (407) 712-7300. Our qualified attorneys will help you file all the required notices, and assist you through every step of the bus accident or wrongful death lawsuit. The law limits the amount of time you have to file your bus accident lawsuit, so it is important that you contact the bus accident attorneys right away.
