Traveling by bus is a popular way for Pittsburgh residents to get to work, school, and other destinations. Whether you choose to take the bus to avoid dealing with traffic or prefer public transit, you depend on the bus driver to get you and your loved ones to your destination safely. Unfortunately, buses are not immune to accidents. When they occur, multiple passengers and other motorists often suffer serious injuries, and property damage is common. If you were injured in a bus accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
A Pittsburgh bus accident lawyer could help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Contact a dedicated personal injury attorney at Bordas & Bordas to discuss your case and learn more about your eligibility for compensation.
Who is Liable for Injuries Caused by a Bus Accident?
Bus crashes can occur for various reasons, including poor driving conditions, distracted motorists, speeding, and other factors. In most cases, negligent behavior plays a role in the events that caused the accident. Assigning liability in a bus accident requires the plaintiff to prove that the driver or another party acted negligently in a way that caused damages or injury to one or more individuals. A skilled Pittsburgh lawyer may present evidence to prove one or more of the following parties are liable for a bus accident.
The Bus Driver
Professional bus drivers owe passengers and other motorists on the roadways a duty of care to drive responsibly and follow all traffic laws. When a bus driver breaks a traffic law or fails to keep their attention on the road, they are guilty of negligence. This may include speeding, distracted driving, failing to obey traffic signs or signals, etc.
Other Motorists
Sometimes, another motorist’s behavior causes a bus accident. For example, a driver in a car or truck may pull out in front of a bus or cross the center lane and cause a bus crash. When a driver breaks traffic laws, fails to yield the right of way, or conducts other dangerous actions that lead to an accident, they can be held liable for injuries.
The Bus Company or Manufacturer
Under certain circumstances, the bus driver’s employer may be partially or completely liable for causing a bus crash. This can be because of lax hiring processes, failure to keep up standard maintenance, or poor training. The bus manufacturer may be responsible for an accident caused by a manufacturing defect, such as brake failure, steering problems, etc.
School District
In the case of a school bus accident, the school district may be held liable when the district fails to meet expected requirements. This may include failure to properly maintain the bus, hire qualified drivers, or provide adequate driver training.
Types of Compensation Awarded in Bus Accident Cases
Bus accidents are some of the most devastating collisions that occur on roadways. The sheer size and weight of a bus increase the impact of a collision, and passengers without seatbelts are more likely to sustain injuries. As a result, severe injuries that require long recovery times are common. Damages awarded in these cases are intended to compensate for the full cost of these devastating injuries and may include the following.
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income and work ability
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life due to permanent injuries
- Cost of property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
Compensation awarded to injured parties depends on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of injuries. An experienced Pittsburgh bus crash attorney could assess the case and provide information about compensation eligibility.
Contact an Experienced Bus Wreck Attorney in Pittsburgh for Help with Your Claim
A bus accident is a catastrophic and often tragic incident that leaves victims with life-changing injuries. When these accidents are caused by negligent behavior, victims are eligible for compensation to support the best recovery possible.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision, a Pittsburgh bus accident lawyer from Bordas & Bordas could help you seek the compensation you deserve. Our bus crash attorneys will assess your case to identify if negligence is a factor and determine who is responsible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.