Who Might Be Liable for a Bus Accident?
If you were hurt in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other associated damages. Before you can recover a payout, though, you will have to determine—and then prove—liability.
There are a number of parties that could be responsible for a bus accident, and the direction in which you take your claim will ultimately depend on the facts of the case. Generally speaking, though, you may have grounds for a claim against at least one of the following parties:
- The Transportation Company
If the bus was owned and operated by a private transportation company, they may be to blame for the accident. Touring companies and the like have a duty to:
- Maintain their fleet to a reasonable standard;
- Conduct relevant screenings and background checks on prospective employees; and
- Provide adequate training to all their drivers.
If the accident occurred because the busing company failed to do one of the above, you may be able to name them in your claim. You may also have grounds for a claim against them if the driver’s own negligence was to blame for the wreck. In many cases, businesses are liable for injuries and deaths their employees cause while performing duties within the course and scope of their employment.
- A Government Entity
If the bus was owned and operated by the government—perhaps it was a city bus, for example—the corresponding agency may be responsible for the resulting damages. Because of a doctrine called sovereign immunity, though, the total payout to which you are entitled may be limited.
What’s more, you may have considerably less time to commence the proceedings. As such, it’s wise to call an attorney right away if you think the government may be to blame for the bus accident in which you were hurt.
- The Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer
If the accident occurred because of some kind of mechanical malfunction or defect, it may be possible to hold the vehicle or parts manufacturer financially accountable. Should this be the case, a product liability attorney can help you determine the most strategic way to proceed.
- Another Motorist
If the bus was perfectly safe to operate in traffic and the driver had been following the rules of the road prior to the wreck, another motorist may be to blame for the accident. Because Florida is a no-fault state, though, you might not be able to take action against the at-fault driver unless your case meets the “serious injury” threshold; however, you may be able to recover compensation from a personal injury protection (PIP) policy.
Call 727-845-5972 for a Free Consultation with a Florida Bus Accident Attorney
At Nicoletti Law Firm, we understand the emotional and financial toll that unanticipated injuries can take on the whole family. If you were seriously hurt in a bus accident, we will help you gather the evidence needed to pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 727-845-5972 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a bus accident lawyer in Port Richey.
Nicolette R. Nicoletti
Managing Partner
Nicolette R. Nicoletti is the founder and managing partner of the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers. She was born and raised in New Port Richey, Florida. Nicolette attended Genesis Preparatory School and graduated salutatorian of her class. She then went onto Saint Leo University for her undergraduate education. She graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at Saint Leo University, Nicolette was President of Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), Secretary of Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society), and an active member of Delta Epsilon Sigma (National Scholastic Honor Society).
Author's Bio