Bus accidents can be devastating events that change the lives of dozens of people forever. If these collisions occur due to negligence, it may be possible to secure a measure of justice through the court system.
If you have been injured in a bus crash, now is the right time to explore your options. You may be entitled to financial compensation. Let a Blue Earth bus accident lawyer help you, and reach out to our experienced personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to get started.
A bus is an enormous vehicle that often outweighs passenger vehicles by 20 times or more. If the two types of vehicles collide, the occupants of the passenger car can suffer serious injuries. However, bus riders may also suffer serious harm in these situations. Some of the injuries that can occur in this type of accident include:
A Blue Earth bus accident attorney can investigate your crash and help you determine if compensation is available for your injuries.
One of the most difficult parts of pursuing compensation after a bus crash can be proving who was at fault. Your Blue Earth bus crash lawyer can investigate several parties that may have contributed to the accident.
The most immediate party scrutinized is the bus driver. If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they may be directly liable for the crash. Inadequate training or failure to follow traffic laws also contributes to the driver’s liability. However, individual negligence often overlaps with systemic failures from the employer.
Private bus operators are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining vehicle safety, and ensuring compliance with transportation laws. A company may be held liable if it failed to maintain the bus properly or knowingly allowed an unqualified driver to operate the vehicle.
In cases involving public transit or school buses operated by city or county agencies, government liability may arise. Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or a lack of oversight in public transportation services can contribute to an accident. Filing claims against government entities involves unique procedures and shorter deadlines under state law.
If the crash resulted from a mechanical failure or design defect, the manufacturer of the bus or one of its parts may be held accountable under product liability laws. Some common defects include steering wheels, braking systems, and tires.
Under state law, you typically have six years from the date of a bus crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the claim involves a government entity, the rules change. Before filing a lawsuit, you must first submit a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the incident. Missing this shorter deadline can bar your right to recover compensation entirely.
Due to these strict time limits, especially if the government is involved, it is important to speak with a Blue Earth attorney about your bus crash as soon as possible. If you file a lawsuit after the deadline expires, your case may be dismissed permanently.
No one should ever have to face the aftermath of a bus crash on their own. If you are dealing with serious injuries and are unable to work, our team is here to help. Our attorneys are based in Mankato, but we proudly serve the surrounding areas as well. Contact a Blue Earth bus accident lawyer today to get started.
