Countless people nationwide ride buses every day. They are safe, convenient, low-cost, and regulated by federal and state laws. While the risk of collisions is lower than that of cars, accidents still occur occasionally.
Because they lack seatbelts and other safety devices or equipment, passengers can sustain severe harm in a bus crash. The size and weight of the vehicles also have severe consequences for people nearby when the event occurs, such as motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Anyone injured in a bus crash through no fault of their own has the right to sue for compensation with help from a hard-working personal injury attorney. Call a Westerville bus accident lawyer if you have questions or need assistance with a claim.
When bus collisions, injuries, and other losses occur because of negligence, the victim can pursue compensation through legal action. Personal injury laws, also called tort laws, provide a multi-step legal process for anyone who sustains damages because of someone else’s intentional, negligent, or wrongful actions.
A strong understanding of the statutes, guidelines, and appropriate steps in the aftermath of the collision is essential to obtain settlements successfully. Examples include seeking medical care and gathering evidence and documentation. A qualified Westerville bus crash attorney could provide legal guidance and help navigate this challenging process.
Buses and other public transportation agencies, transporting passengers for a fee, have common carrier status, increasing their civil liability for crash damages. The Ohio Revised Code § 1743.02 provides that common carriers must exercise the highest degree of caution and care for the safety of the passengers. The legal obligations of operators, their employers, and other third-party related agencies include the following:
State laws place greater responsibility on common carriers, requiring them to prioritize safety to protect passengers and the public.
Bus crashes usually occur among operators, transportation companies, vehicle manufacturers, or those responsible for maintenance and repair. Examples of the most typical causes include driver errors, distractions, inadequate training, or mechanical failure. Determining liability can be more challenging than in other personal injury lawsuits because there could be multiple defendants, depending on the cause specifics.
Liability depends on the cause of the crash and regulation guidance on the responsibilities of operators, transportation companies, and other related parties, such as:
A bus accident lawyer in Westerville could gather vital evidence and records for careful analysis to determine why the event occurred and the people and organizations that are liable.
Millions of people ride buses daily and never experience a crash. Even so, they occur sometimes and often leave those involved traumatized, with painful injuries and financial losses.
You have the legal right to petition the civil court to initiate legal action and pursue compensation from the liable party. Schedule an appointment with a Westerville bus accident lawyer for more details and guidance.
(888) 9WIN-WIN