Pennsylvania Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accident lawsuits are one of the most complex types of vehicle crash claims because of the number of people that are typically part of bus accidents and the relationships of the people involved.
People injured in a bus accident can include pedestrians, bystanders, passengers in the bus, the driver and passengers of the other vehicles, or cyclists – both motorcycle and bicycle, among others.
A Pennsylvania bus accident lawyer helps people navigate liability laws and determine ownership of the bus involved in the bus accident, the other vehicles, and any other responsible parties.
For example, if the bus involved in the vehicle crash is a SEPTA bus, one of the defendants may be a regional public transportation authority. This is significant because the time to obtain financial compensation from a government entity in Pennsylvania is shorter than a non-public entity. If you or a loved one were injured after being in a bus collision, you should consult with a seasoned personal injury attorney today.
Bus Operators Owe a Duty of Care to Passengers
Negligence claims in Pennsylvania are permitted by statute and are found at Tit. 42 §7102 of the Pennsylvania code.
With the assistance of a bus accident attorney in Pennsylvania, injured people can recover damages for their injuries under negligence and personal injury theories from all the responsible parties including the bus driver and bus company.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
There is no good time to be involved in a vehicle crash with a bus. A bus accident can occur at any time or any place. Almost always, however, the reason for the bus accident can be determined post-accident by interviewing witnesses, passengers, drivers of other vehicles, pedestrians, and the bus driver.
The number one cause of bus accidents is driver error or negligence. Examples of driver negligence or error include, but are not limited to the following:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Turning the bus without signaling
- Driving while intoxicated
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Inadequate or inappropriate breaks
- Faulty bus equipment
Bus Owners Are Liable for the Actions of the Bus Drivers
Bus drivers are employees of the bus company. Sometimes the bus company is different than the bus operator who in turn is different than the bus driver. When the bus driver is negligent or makes a mistake, the mistake also runs against the bus operator or company under the theory of vicarious liability.
An injured party can file additional claims against the bus company for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and control of the bus driver for injuries sustained and damages incurred from the error or negligence of the bus driver.
How a Pennsylvania Bus Accident Attorney Could Help
Buses, by their nature, transport people or passengers from point to point within cities and towns or outside of the state between intracity destinations. When a bus accident occurs, the potential for injury to people can increase by the dozens.
A dedicated lawyer’s first task when investigating a possible injury claim to people, property and other losses is to determine who is responsible for the bus accident. The other vehicle, if any, and other parties, like a pedestrian or cyclists, can also be responsible for the bus accident.
Seek legal assistance from a Pennsylvania bus accident lawyer to commence legal action against any of the parties associated with a bus accident you are in or one involving a family member.
