Because buses are such large vehicles and may carry dozens of passengers, it is especially important that their operators act cautiously and responsibly behind the wheel. Unfortunately, bus accidents still occur in Gainesville, often leading to significant property damage and numerous injuries to those impacted.
Recovering compensation after a collision involving a commercial or municipal bus can sometimes be even more complicated than typical car accident litigation. As such, it is crucial that you seek help from a seasoned personal injury attorney to assist with your case. Once retained, a Gainesville bus accident lawyer at our firm could explain all the state regulations that might apply in your situation and work tirelessly toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.
In many cases, bus accidents occur due to the same kinds of negligent behaviors that lead to other auto accidents. Common forms of bus operator negligence include:
In these situations, liability for an ensuing crash typically falls on the bus driver who committed the traffic violation.
In certain situations, the company or entity that employed a bus driver may be vicariously liable for that driver’s negligence. For example, if a private company hired a driver without accounting for their history of DUIs, the company may be liable for a wreck that their employee caused while driving drunk.
Likewise, if an accident stems from a sudden mechanical failure in the bus, liability may lie with a third-party manufacturer or mechanic whose negligence allowed the defect to go unnoticed. A skilled attorney could investigate the circumstances of a Gainesville bus wreck to help determine all potentially liable parties.
If a bus collision is caused by someone else’s negligence, a seasoned attorney could help an injured Gainesville resident seek restitution for both economic and non-economic forms of harm. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages might include:
When a traffic accident involves a bus owned and/or operated by a local or state government entity, pursuing civil compensation may be more complicated. A legal concept known as “sovereign immunity” makes government entities immune from civil liability, except in cases involving gross negligence or some type of criminal act. Furthermore, if a government employee or agency is directly liable for a bus accident, the filing timelines for civil litigation are much shorter than they would be for a claim against a private entity.
Instead of the two-year statutory filing deadline set by Official Code of Georgia § 9-3-33, a victim of a municipal bus accident in Gainesville would have to get their case started within six months for a city or county vehicle, and within one year if a state vehicle was involved. As such, it is crucial to contact the diligent attorneys at Smith Hulsey to help ensure that a bus accident claim is filed within the applicable deadlines.
Pursuing civil compensation after a serious bus accident is a difficult task for any injured individual. These cases often require significant amounts of evidence, conflicting witness testimonies, and unique legal roadblocks.
To improve your chances of a positive case outcome, speak with a Gainesville bus accident lawyer about your legal options. Call our firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
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