Traveling on a commercial bus operated by companies like Greyhound or Megabus is often more cost-effective than other transportation methods, as is using public transit where available. However, these vehicles typically lack safety features designed to protect passengers in a crash, which can lead to severe consequences when accidents occur, despite their rarity.
Taking proactive legal action over this kind of incident can be complicated in many ways, not the least of which is the fact that state law offers unique civil protections to government bodies that operate public transit services. Help from a dedicated personal injury attorney could make a world of difference in how effectively you can enforce your rights in return, so if you have been hurt through a bus driver or operating entity’s negligence, contacting a Chesterton bus accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Holub should be among your top priorities.
Suing Over a Wreck Involving a Private Bus Company
Filing a lawsuit for an injury caused by a commercial bus driver’s misconduct follows the same process as suing any employee for negligence on the job. The driver who acted recklessly or carelessly is primarily responsible for their actions and can be named as the main defendant in a bus accident lawsuit.
However, a company that hires and employs someone who then acts negligently while working towards the company’s business interests often holds vicarious liability for that negligence. As a Chesterton bus wreck attorney can explain in more detail, this means it is often possible to sue a private bus company over a wreck involving one of their vehicles, which can allow for much greater civil recovery than a claim filed solely against an individual driver could.
How Are Claims Against Public Transit Agencies Unique?
It is possible to sue a public transit agency or its employees for a bus crash, similar to a private commercial enterprise. However, Indiana law imposes strict limits on liability for government entities. Under Indiana Code §34-13-3-4, compensation is capped at $700,000 per injured person and $5,000,000 per accident, divided among all claimants.
Another limitation worth knowing about in advance is the notice requirement established under I.C. §34-13-3-8, which mandates that people intending to sue political subdivisions must notify that subdivision of their intentions no later than six months after initially getting hurt. There are also additional procedural rules for this notice explained in nearby sections of state law, which a bus accident lawyer in Chesterton can answer questions and provide clarification about as needed.
Speak With a Chesterton Bus Accident Attorney About Your Case
Getting hurt in a bus crash while you are a passenger on that bus or driving your own personal vehicle nearby can be frightening and frustrating in equal measure. Fortunately, you have help available from dedicated legal counsel with understanding and enforcing your right to seek civil recovery after being hurt through a bus driver or busing company’s negligence.
A Chesterton bus accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Holub can be the ally you need from the beginning to the end of your legal proceedings. Call today to discuss your options.