Buses are a popular form of transportation in South Carolina, whether it be for recreational travel or as a means of getting to and from school or work. Although riding a bus is a safe way to get around, accidents often occur. When a crash occurs, it can result in significant injuries, damages and even loss of life.
If you or a loved one were injured in a public transportation vehicle crash, a Bluffton bus accident lawyer could help you seek compensation. While you focus on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back on track, a personal injury attorney may be able to pursue money damages on your behalf. This can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and mental anguish.
What are Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents are commonly the result of negligence. This could include driver negligence, poor training, negligent maintenance, or manufacturer error.
Buses are a unique mode of transportation that are extensively regulated at both the state and federal levels. Common carriers, bus companies and those they employ must exercise reasonable care to ensure the safety of their passengers and that of other motorists. Deviating only slightly from the higher standard of care the law imposes on common carriers can have catastrophic consequences.
Driver Negligence
Driving while distracted, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding are just some of the ways that a bus accident can be caused by the negligent behavior of a driver. In such a scenario, a Bluffton bus accident lawyer may want to seek to impose legal liability on the driver’s employer under a theory of vicarious liability.
Poor Training
Providing poor training, or not ensuring that a driver has received adequate training at the time of hire, can lead to employer liability in the event of a bus accident.
Negligent Maintenance
Failing to inspect a bus when the time comes due or not replacing old or broken parts can cause a serious accident.
Manufacturer Error
In the wake of a bus accident, a Bluffton bus accident attorney could attempt to determine whether it was caused by a malfunctioning or defective part. If so, the manufacturer of that part could be found liable for damages under the doctrine of product liability.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Bluffton, call 1-803-366-0333
How Can I Prove a Bus Driver was Negligent?
To recover compensation for damages, an injured victim and their attorney must establish that bus driver’s negligent conduct caused their injuries. They must prove that:
- The driver of the bus owed a duty of care to their passengers similar to how another driver would have acted under like circumstances
- The driver violated that duty by failing to act with reasonable care
- The driver’s violation of their duty of care caused the plaintiff’s injuries
- The plaintiff suffered calculable damages to their themselves or personal property, such as vehicle damage, medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, disfigurement, burns, scarring, or pain and suffering
It is highly important for those who have been injured in a bus accident to file a claim before the end of the applicable statute of limitations period. The statute of limitations refers to the deadline to file a lawsuit in court. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations that applies to all personal injury actions is three years.
Bluffton Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 1-803-366-0333
Contact a Bluffton Bus Accident Attorney Today
Being a passenger on a bus can quickly go from being a mundane part of your day to a traumatic experience in the event of an accident, leaving you with serious injuries and many unanswered questions. Fortunately, you may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain significant money damages with the help of the legal team at Schiller & Hamilton. Contact a Bluffton bus accident lawyer today to learn about your legal options.
Call or text 1-803-366-0333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form