Buses play a pivotal role in society, whether by shuttling children to and from school or helping adults get to work on time by public transit. However, one downside of their constant presence is the potential for devastating vehicle accidents.
If you have been injured in a bus crash, now is the time to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney. The right legal approach could ensure you get the compensation you deserve following a devastating collision. Talk to a Northglenn bus accident lawyer today to learn more.
Why Are Bus Accident Injuries Often Severe?
Any motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause serious harm, but injuries resulting from bus accidents are frequently severe. This is primarily due to the size difference between these large commercial vehicles and the passenger cars they share the road with. The tremendous force generated when a bus collides with a much smaller vehicle often causes serious injury to that vehicle’s occupants.
However, bus passengers also face the potential for severe injuries. Unlike in passenger cars, these riders do not have the benefit of seat belts or safety harnesses. In a collision, the force of the impact could throw a passenger into a hard surface, causing debilitating injuries. Some of the conditions that commonly result from this type of accident include:
When you work with a bus accident attorney in Northglenn, you have the chance to recover compensation for any of these injuries.
Liable Parties in a Bus Accident
Determining liability in a bus accident can be complex, as there is often more than one individual or entity to blame. Your Northglenn lawyer can review the facts of the bus accident and help you identify all of the potential defendants for your personal injury claim.
The Driver
The bus driver is often the first person considered in an accident. If the driver was careless at the time of the crash, they may be held personally responsible. Some common examples of careless behavior include speeding and driving while fatigued or impaired. Professional drivers are held to high standards of care, and failure to meet those standards can lead to accidents resulting in injury.
The Bus Company
Bus companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers and train them appropriately. If the company failed to conduct background checks, neglected routine inspections, or pressured drivers to meet unsafe schedules, it could share liability for the crash. These companies might also be responsible if a bus driver they employed negligently caused the accident. This means there could be multiple grounds for bringing a bus company into a lawsuit.
The Manufacturer
When a mechanical defect—such as faulty brakes, steering components, or tires—contributes to an accident, the bus manufacturer may be liable. Product liability claims are different from a typical negligence suit, since these companies are held to a high standard. You have the potential to recover damages without the need to prove that the company was negligent in your specific situation.
Government Entities
If the bus is operated by a public transit authority, government entities may be liable for your injuries. Liability can arise from poor road maintenance, unsafe traffic signal design, or negligent oversight of public buses. Claims against government agencies, however, often involve special rules and shortened filing deadlines. You should talk to an attorney immediately if this applies to your case.
Call a Northglenn Attorney About Bus Accident Cases Today
There is no easy way to recover from a traumatic injury following a bus accident. Fortunately, you do not have to face the challenges of the legal system alone. With the support of a Northglenn bus accident lawyer, you can pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your options.
