People in the Fort Mill area use buses every day to get around town as they travel to work and school. Generally, buses are a very safe mode of transportation, but, occasionally, buses get into accidents, and those accidents can cause harm to bus passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident, you might be entitled to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Reach out to a Fort Mill bus accident lawyer today to see if pursuing a legal suit against the person who hurt you is a smart choice for you and your family.
Who is Liable in a Bus Accident?
There could be several possible sources of compensation for a claimant after a bus accident. A typical claim might name the bus driver, their employer, the bus manufacturer, or the servicer or mechanic of the vehicle as potentially liable defendants. A skilled local lawyer would work to identify all of the parties that a court could hold legally responsible for the injuries caused by the accident.
Bus Driver
Many accidents happen because the driver of the bus was affected by:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving, such as driving while distracted by a cellphone
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
Just as with other types of motor vehicle accidents, the negligence or recklessness of the driver is what causes the majority of bus accidents.
Bus Manufacturer
If a bus had inherent manufacturing defects that caused it to crash, then a claimant could pursue a claim against the original manufacturer of the parts that malfunctioned.
Servicer or Mechanic of the Bus
A claimant could also pursue a suit against the mechanic who was supposed to regularly service and maintain the bus and replace any broken or worn out parts.
Bus Company that Employs the Bus Driver
Because public buses carry passengers, they are common carriers, and courts may hold them to a higher standard of liability. Thus, bus companies may be liable if a bus driver’s negligence caused a claimant’s injuries. A court could also hold a bus company accountable if the bus company was aware or should have been aware of their employee’s bad driving record. Similarly, a court could deem a bus company responsible for an accident caused by driver fatigue if the company’s employee manuals did not show clear limitations on driving hours.
Just as a court could find a bus company responsible for a driver’s errors, a court could also find a bus company responsible for maintenance errors if the person responsible for servicing or maintaining the bus was an employee of and working on behalf of the bus company.
A knowledgeable attorney could expertly look into the facts of the case to see if anyone could bear legal responsibility for the accident. They would examine police and eyewitness reports from the scene of the accident, hiring records, employee manuals, driver time logs, and maintenance and service records.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Fort Mill, call 1-803-366-0333
What is the Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims?
Generally, the statute of limitations in personal injury claims is three years. If the suit is against a public bus company or its driver, however, it must be filed within two years because a court would view the public bus company and its driver as government employees. Potential claimants need to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible because they do not have unlimited time to file a lawsuit. Furthermore, it is best to begin a claim when eyewitnesses and all of the parties involved have fresh memories of the accident.
Fort Mill Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 1-803-366-0333
Call a Fort Mill Bus Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
Litigation involving bus accidents is often complicated and may involve multiple defendants. You should work with a local lawyer that you can trust will work their hardest to obtain you the relief that you deserve. Call a Fort Mill bus accident lawyer today to see if you might be eligible for financial compensation from the people responsible for the accident that hurt you.
Call or text 1-803-366-0333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form