Whether you’re trying to save money on gas or want to help the environment, taking a bus is an ideal alternative to driving. However, like any other vehicle, the bus you’re riding can be involved in a collision, leaving you prone to injuries. If you’re hurt in a bus accident, hiring the help of a Chesterfield County auto accident lawyer is essential to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Can Cause a Bus Accident?
Bus accidents, though less frequent than car accidents, do happen and can be severe. Generally, the cause of the crash can be generated by one of the following:
- Driving under the influence of substances like alcohol, drugs, or prescription pills
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving, including texting and driving
- Reckless driving, like speeding or failing to stop at traffic lights or stop signs
However, the driver of the vehicle is not always the sole entity responsible. A driver can do everything right, but the bus can still be involved in an accident. This is due to negligent behavior on behalf of the company that owns the bus. This can include:
- Failure to conduct routine inspections of the vehicle for mechanical errors
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Not providing enough quality training for new drivers
Who Is Responsible for Damages?
Though it may seem easy to point fingers at the driver for the damages caused, it’s essential to look at various aspects of the accident before making final judgments about the responsibility.
For example, if a school bus driver is texting and driving, which causes an accident, they are liable for damages and injuries sustained. However, the school that employed the driver may also be held responsible for the negligence exhibited by their driver.
Similarly, a manufacturer can be held responsible if a bus they produced has a defect that quality control should have picked up before the vehicle was sold and driven. For example, if a bus has a faulty brake system due to the way it was built, the manufacturer is liable for damages.
Am I Eligible for Compensation?
If you were injured or your property was damaged due to a bus accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
However, you need to act fast, as the statute of limitations for automobile accidents in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. The sooner you file a claim, the better, as documents like police reports can get lost with time, and your memory may become hazy.
Don’t wait to file your claim. The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. will work tirelessly to fight for the justice you deserve at the hands of the negligent drivers, employers, or manufacturers responsible for your injuries or property damage.
