As “common carriers,” bus drivers and bus companies have a responsibility to keep their passengers safe. If a bus driver or company causes harm to its trusting passengers as a result of its reckless or careless actions, they have the right to seek payment for injuries and losses.
At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have successfully handled thousands of motor vehicle accident cases. For example, Jon Ostroff and his team won over $21 million for several passengers who were injured in a severe crash caused by a fatigued Greyhound bus driver.
If you were hurt in a bus collision, you should reach out to our Allentown bus accident lawyer right away. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers will work on your behalf to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Establishing Liability for a Bus Accident in Allentown
In bus and auto accident cases, the term “duty of care” refers to every driver’s obligation to follow the “rules of the road”, pay attention to their surroundings, and generally act reasonably when behind the wheel. In addition to the duties that apply to all motor vehicle operators, bus drivers have an expanded duty to ensure their passengers do not get hurt while boarding and disembarking or from sudden stops or turns.
Wrecks involving commercial or public buses may have multiple liable parties, beyond the person who was driving the bus in question. For example, the company or municipal authority that employed the driver may bear responsibility for their employee’s negligent actions. The company may even face direct liability for inadequate hiring practices or lack of safety regulations.
Similarly, if a bus wreck stems from a mechanical malfunction, liability might lie with the mechanic or auto parts manufacturer. A bus crash attorney in Allentown can help injured parties identify the primarily liable parties in a particular case.
Laws for Public Bus Crash Claims
State and local government entities in Pennsylvania generally benefit from “sovereign immunity” in most civil cases. While there is an exception to this law for motor vehicle accidents, there are several other limitations that can affect a public bus accident case.
The Tort Claims Act sets a cap of $500,000 per injured party and/or incident on the amount of money a local government authority may be required to pay for accident-related damages. Additionally, the Sovereign Immunity Act only allows recovery for the following damages in a claim against a local government entity:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and/or earning capacity
- Personal property damage and/or losses
- Lost consortium
- Lost support
- Pain and suffering, but only if the accident leads to permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or fatal injuries
A lawyer familiar with bus crash claims can help an injured party understand how these laws may affect their case.
Seek Help from an Allentown Bus Accident Attorney Today
Seeking fair compensation after a serious bus accident is typically more complex than other auto accident claims. If you try to pursue this type of claim without professional legal guidance, you will probably not recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Hiring an Allentown bus accident lawyer will give you much better odds of success with your claim. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to schedule a meeting.