Motor vehicle collisions are a common occurrence on Pennsylvania roadways, but determining the at-fault party isn’t always so straightforward. How can you establish bus accident fault in Pennsylvania, and is it different from finding a liable party in a car accident? Our legal professionals break down the intricacies of these scenarios below.
Who Is At Fault in a Car Accident?
When vehicles collide, drivers may be quick to point fingers and blame the other. A motorist’s behavior behind the wheel could lead to a crash, such as distracted, impaired, or reckless driving. An accident investigation may determine the at-fault driver, though other parties could also be liable.
Municipalities or government entities may be responsible for their role in an accident. For example, if a roadway’s poor conditions lead a driver to collide with an object or another vehicle, the entity responsible for maintaining the road could be held liable.
Defective car parts may also be to blame. In this case, victims could take legal action against the vehicle’s manufacturer.
How To Determine Bus Accident Liability
How do you learn who is at fault in a bus accident in Pennsylvania? Like car accidents, public vehicle collisions could have several potentially liable parties, including:
- The driver
- The bus company
- Maintenance technicians
- Parts manufacturers
- Municipalities
An extensive investigation could shed light on who’s at fault for any injuries sustained in the crash. Law enforcement officials may investigate the cause of the crash, while personal injury lawyers could help victims gather additional evidence. The findings ultimately determine who could be named in a personal injury lawsuit.
For example, perhaps a commercial bus rear-ends another vehicle. If faulty brakes are to blame, the fault could lie with either the manufacturer or the technicians responsible for vehicle maintenance.
What if a crash happens because a driver is under the influence? In this case, the driver could be held liable for their negligence. Their employer may also carry some of the fault for the bus accident in Pennsylvania, as the company is responsible for hiring qualified drivers who prioritize safety.
How Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Law Impacts Bus Accident Cases
Two or more parties could be at fault in a motor vehicle crash. If someone sustains an injury and the court deems them more than 50% at fault, they can’t pursue financial compensation, per the state’s comparative negligence rule.
This law also impacts the potential settlement a plaintiff may seek. The court determines their percentage of fault, which is the same amount that will be reduced from a potential final settlement (if under 51%).
Imagine you’re talking on the phone while driving when a bus sideswipes you. The driver never used the turn signal to indicate a lane change, and passengers report that they didn’t check the mirrors for nearby cars. The court ultimately determines that you’re 10% at fault due to distracted driving, while the driver is 90% at fault.
If your personal injury case settles for $50,000, you would only receive $45,000. This 10% deduction reflects your percentage of fault.
Evidence is crucial for determining fault. If there is ample evidence in your favor, you may incur a lower percentage of fault, though circumstances vary.
Explore Your Legal Options With a Personal Injury Attorney
Do you need help evaluating liability in connection with injuries you sustained in a Pennsylvania bus accident? Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers may have the solution. We represent injured clients and have a comprehensive understanding of Pennsylvania’s motor vehicle laws.
Turn to us if you wish to file a personal injury claim. We’ll review the details of your case and determine whether you have grounds to sue. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (855) 521-4406.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Who can be at fault in a bus accident in Pennsylvania?
A: Multiple parties can be at fault, including the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance technicians, parts manufacturers, or municipalities.
Q: How does Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law affect bus accident cases?
A: If an injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot receive financial compensation. If they are less than 51% at fault, their settlement will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Q: Is determining fault in a bus accident different from a car accident in Pennsylvania?
A: While both can involve various liable parties like drivers and municipalities, bus accidents often include additional potential parties such as the bus company or maintenance personnel due to the nature of commercial vehicles.
