Jackson Bus Accident Lawyer
Due to the fact that buses are so much larger and heavier than most other vehicles, when they are involved in a crash, the occupants of the smaller vehicles typically sustain the worst injuries. Buses are involved in a number of different types of accidents, including rollovers and veering off the road when the driver is drowsy. All of this places everyone in the nearby vicinity at risk.
If you have been hurt in a crash, you may be able to file a civil action to claim damages, but these lawsuits are particularly complex. A Jackson bus accident lawyer will help you overcome any challenges you may face.
Determining if the Bus was Public or Private
The first thing to determine when filing a claim is whether the bus that hit you was privately or publicly owned. If the bus was privately owned, you can file a civil lawsuit if the driver, owner, or other third party responsible for ensuring the bus was safe was negligent. You will have to prove the negligence of the third party who acted carelessly and by doing so, caused an accident that resulted in your injuries.
Buses that are publicly owned include city buses, school buses, and other types of buses used for public transportation, such as shuttles. Filing a claim against a negligent party after a crash involving a publicly-owned bus is particularly difficult. The bus driver and the busing company are likely considered government employees or entities and so, they may be protected by sovereign immunity.
Who is Liable for a Bus Accident?
Sometimes, bus accidents are caused by the direct negligence of the bus driver. If the driver is impaired, fails to comply with traffic laws, or drives while distracted, they can be found liable for causing an accident. However, crashes are not always the fault of the bus driver.
Bus companies can also be found liable for an accident. These companies are required to ensure they follow proper hiring practices and only employ competent and experienced drivers. Bus companies are also required to provide proper training to all of their drivers. If they fail to meet any of these requirements, a bus company can be liable for paying damages after a crash.
Any company that was entrusted to perform regular inspections or maintenance on the vehicle can also be found liable if they do not perform their duties properly. It is not uncommon for bus companies to use third party companies when maintaining their vehicle, and those entities are also responsible for ensuring the bus is safe.
Our Bus Accident Lawyer in Jackson Can Determine Which Party is Liable for Your Crash
Determining which party is liable after a bus accident is difficult, but it is just one challenge that comes with these claims. At Keith B. French Law, PLLC, our Jackson bus accident lawyer knows how to identify the liable party, and will hold them accountable for paying the maximum damages you deserve. Call us today at 832-243-6153 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
