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Erie, Pennsylvania, sees more than its fair share of commercial and public bus traffic. Given its location between Buffalo and Cleveland and its proximity to the Great Lake, that fact should come as no surprise. Fortunately, the majority of these trips are risk-free for their passengers. Travel by bus is statistically safer than private automobile travel by a substantial margin.
However, bus drivers and operating entities are not immune to careless behavior, and as any practiced personal injury attorney knows, irresponsible actions can sometimes have life-changing consequences. If you were hurt because of negligence by someone involved with any kind of bus service, an Erie bus accident lawyer can help you pursue fair financial compensation. Call the office of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today.
Possible Grounds for a Bus Accident Lawsuit
Operating a bus is essentially the same as operating any other motor vehicle, and some of the ways a bus driver who gets in a wreck could be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages include:
- Breaking the speed limit
- Failing to yield or stop at signs and traffic lights
- Not paying attention to other nearby cars
- Driving while under the influence
- Texting while driving or other forms of distraction
However, these are not the only circumstances under which a reckless or careless bus company employee could potentially cause a passenger, pedestrian, or passing motorist to get hurt. For example, if a bus driver accelerates away from a stop too fast before boarding passengers can safely sit down, anyone on board who is injured as a result could have grounds for a legal claim.
Third-Party Liability
Alternatively, an accident that stems from a mechanical failure might primarily be the fault of a third-party mechanic or manufacturer. It is even possible for another driver’s negligence to force a responsible bus driver into an unavoidable accident. With so many variables, it is essential to seek the guidance of a seasoned Erie attorney with experience handling bus crashes and accidents.
Recovering Damages Within Legal Limits
If a commercial bus passenger suffers injury through any form of negligence, they generally have an unrestricted right to demand compensation for all their ensuing damages, including:
- Personal property damage such as car repair costs
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost work income or working capacity
- Emotional anguish and psychological trauma
- Lost quality of life
However, under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, local and municipal government entities responsible for operating public bus services can only be held liable for $500,000 worth of damages caused by any single event. There are also shorter effective deadlines for starting litigation in situations like this. A skilled bus crash attorney in Erie can explain the statute of limitations and other requirements in more detail during a private consultation.
Talk to an Erie Bus Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options
Bus crashes can be devastating to everyone involved. If negligence by a bus driver, their employer, or any affiliated third party is the cause of such an accident, proactive legal action is your best means of recovering compensation for your injuries.
A capable Erie bus accident lawyer can pursue the damages you are entitled to. Call today to get started.
