Collisions involving buses can be especially severe given the size and weight of these vehicles. A wreck could leave you with hospital bills, serious injuries, and more. When bus crashes are caused by the negligence of bus drivers, maintenance companies, or other involved parties, you could be able to seek financial compensation for your losses.
Alongside an experienced Enfield bus accident lawyer, you could pursue a claim that accounts for your physical, financial, and emotional damages. To learn more about what a Enfield personal injury lawyer could do for you after a bus crash, call our office today.
Potential Liable Parties in a Bus Wreck Case
Determining liability among one or multiple parties is a key element to a successful personal injury claim. Every accident is different, and an individualized determination must be made in each situation to determine the cause of the crash and the responsible parties.
Parties that could hold some liability in a bus wreck include:
- The bus driver and their employer
- The party responsible for maintaining the bus
- A private bus company
- A governmental entity
- A driver of another motor vehicle or bicycle
- A pedestrian
- The manufacturer of a bus or bus part
These parties, and potentially many others, could be liable in an accident where they failed to provide a reasonable duty of care. A knowledgeable attorney could work to uncover the liable parties in a bus wreck and collect evidence that establishes their negligence.
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Increased Standard of Care for “Common Carriers” in Enfield
A company that transports passengers for hire is considered a “common carrier.” This is an important designation when handling bus accident lawsuits, as a common carrier is obligated to a higher standard of care than ordinary negligence.
The typical negligence standard is the requirement to exercise a reasonable duty of care when carrying out daily activities such as driving. Common carriers, however, must utilize special care and training in avoiding potential harm to passengers and non-passengers alike. Failure to meet this heightened negligence standard could result in common carriers being held legally responsible for injuries sustained by bus wreck victims. A skilled local attorney could work to prove a breach of this standard of care in bus accident cases involving common carriers.
Statutory Limits on Filing a Claim
General Statutes of Connecticut § 52-584 typically requires an individual to file their bus accident claim within two years of the date of the injury. Failing to file within the required timeframe will very likely result in a dismissal of the claim without any compensation. In some cases, proper notice may need to be filed in as few as 90 days following the accident.
Certain time limits may be extended by rare circumstances. For example, minors injured in a crash may have a longer period in which to file. It is crucial to reach out to an Enfield attorney as soon as possible after a bus crash to ensure that a claim is filed within the required timeframe.
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Discuss Your Case with an Enfield Bus Accident Attorney
Bus wrecks often result in severe injuries, including those to the head, neck, back, and extremities. Even worse, these vehicles rarely have seatbelts, which only exacerbates the nature of injuries. These cases often involve children, which can cause immense stress and heartache for family members.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus collision, you deserve compensation for your losses. An Enfield bus accident lawyer could assess the facts of your case and counsel you on your legal options. Reach out today to learn more.
