Riding the bus can be a great way to commute to work, run errands, or travel long distances. Buses help reduce congestion on the roads in Quakertown, including Route 309 and the Pa turnpike. Buses can help decrease overall pollution levels, especially as more are converted to green energy. However, these large, unwieldy vehicles can be extremely dangerous, as they are slow to stop in emergencies and have large blind spots.
If you were in an accident involving a bus, you are likely dealing with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills and lost wages due to time missed from work. Whether you were a passenger on the bus or an occupant of another car struck by a bus, you may have a legal case against the negligent party. The at-fault bus driver and their employer can be liable for the harm they caused due to the accident.
Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers has spent over 30 years helping accident victims recover compensation through case verdicts and settlements. Jon has sued Greyhound Bus Company on behalf of injured clients more than any other lawyer in Pennsylvania.
In one groundbreaking case, Founding Partner Jon Ostroff, Managing Partner Rich Godshall, and their team filed a lawsuit against Greyhound Bus Company after one of its drivers crashed a bus full of passengers on a major PA interstate. Jon was featured on CNN about his work on this case and Greyhound Bus Company’s failure to monitor driver fatigue. Between a 6-week trial and settlements reached for other passengers before and after trial, Jon recovered over $21.3 million for his clients. The trial verdict included punitive and compensatory damages, additional delay damages, and post-verdict interest.
No matter the type of bus crash you were in, you can benefit from working with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys on your case. Our Quakertown bus accident lawyers will fight for your right to prompt and fair compensation.
Determining Fault in a Bus Collision Claim
Like all other drivers, bus operators have a duty to follow the “rules of the road.” This means they must follow speed limits, check blind spots, yield when appropriate and stop at red lights. The fact that they are in a large vehicle or carry a commercial driver’s license does not change their responsibilities. In fact, as a CDL driver of a truck or bus, they are considered “professional drivers” and required to drive at a higher level than ordinary car drivers.
A bus driver who ignores the rules of the road and causes an accident is liable to provide compensation to you and all other injured parties for the harm they caused. However, the bus operator may not be the only at-fault party in your case. The company or government entity that owns the vehicle or employs the driver can be partially liable.
If a faulty auto part caused the accident, you might even have a valid case against the manufacturer of that part. A bus wreck attorney in Quakertown can help you identify all the liable parties in your case prove their fault.
The Rights of Injured Passengers in Quakertown
Most buses don’t have seatbelts. A crowded public bus could have passengers who are forced to stand. The combination of these things makes passengers more likely to suffer more severe injuries than the bus driver or other motorists in a collision.
If you were injured while riding a bus that was involved in an accident, you have just as much of a right as other drivers to file a claim. A seasoned lawyer like those at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyersyer will immediately “dig in” and gather the evidence needed to prove negligence or even recklessness. This evidence will often be the key to obtaining fair compensation for the harm you suffered due to the bus accident.
Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit
If you are thinking of taking legal action after a bus collision, you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5524 states that most people have only two years from the date of an incident to seek out compensation.
The “notice requirement” may be significantly shorter if the crash involves a city vehicle. An experienced lawyer will track and protect these important deadlines, so that you don’t lose your chance to file a lawsuit.
Reach Out to a Quakertown Bus Accident Attorney Today
Buses offer a convenient means of transportation for many people in the Quakertown area. Unfortunately, they can also cause severe accidents. If you were injured in this crash caused by a bus, contact Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to speak with one of our Quakertown bus accident lawyers. We will stand by your side throughout your case.
