Traveling by bus should theoretically be safer than riding in a personal vehicle since bus drivers receive specialized training to safely transport large groups of passengers. However, bus-related traffic collisions still occur, despite these precautions. When accidents happen, it often reveals shortcomings in driver training, attention, or adherence to safety standards.
If you have been hurt in a traffic crash or under any other circumstances through the negligence of a bus driver and/or their employer, a Lowell bus accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Holub could help you file suit. We have years of experience handling cases a lot like yours on behalf of people a lot like you, and a dedicated personal injury attorney from our team could be a vital ally to have on your side as you pursue the civil restitution you deserve.
Suing Bus Companies for a Bus Driver’s Negligence
Bus drivers have a responsibility to safely transport passengers, ensuring their actions do not put riders at risk. This duty extends beyond traffic accidents—it includes preventing injuries that occur due to unsafe driving practices, such as sudden stops or abrupt accelerations. For instance, if a passenger suffers a broken arm after falling because a bus driver accelerated too quickly, the injured person may have grounds to file a claim even though the bus didn’t collide with another vehicle or object.
Furthermore, it is often possible to hold the companies—or, as discussed in more detail, the government-run public transit agencies—that employ negligent bus drivers vicariously liable for their employee’s misconduct. This can allow for far greater financial recovery than what would be available in a claim filed solely against a single negligent driver—something that a seasoned Lowell bus crash attorney can help take full advantage of during a lawsuit or settlement demand.
Unique Rules for Public Bus Crash Claims
Legal counsel could also help navigate the unique restrictions placed by state law on lawsuits against government bodies over accidents involving public transit vehicles. To start with, we can make sure an injured person is able to comply with the strict filing deadlines for claims of this nature, which may come as soon as just six months after an accident initially occurs.
Additionally, state law places specific limits on compensation available from public entities or their employees following bus-related injuries. Under Indiana Code §34-13-3-4, public agencies and their employees cannot pay more than $700,000 per injured individual or $5,000,000 total for a single incident. Punitive damages, which typically penalize wrongdoing, are also prohibited in claims against government entities. Due to these strict limits, working with an experienced Lowell bus accident lawyer is essential to maximize the compensation available to you.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Lowell Bus Accident Injury Attorney
Both commercially and publicly operated buses are much bigger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road, and they also generally lack basic modern safety features like airbags and seatbelts. Because of that, wrecks involving these massive machines tend to be especially dangerous for everyone involved—and unfortunately, they can also make for especially complex civil claims as well.
Fortunately, you have support available to you from a Lowell bus accident lawyer who can work tirelessly to get you paid fairly. Call the Law Offices of David W. Holub today for your free consultation.