City Bus Accidents

Automobile and other road accidents are sadly common. The statement. "I was hit by a bus" refers to something that occurs in large towns and major cities every day. Normally such occurrences are not dissimilar to getting stuck by a car or other passenger vehicle. However, when you’ve been struck by a city bus, there are different factors (and parties) you have to take into consideration.

Considerations When You’ve Been in an Accident Involving a City Bus

Under normal circumstances, a bus accident generally involves filing an insurance claim. In situations where a claim cannot be settled, a lawsuit involving the bus company, their insurance provider, and the driver may be filed. Due to being a part of the public sector, city bus accidents introduce more parties that could be involved in a lawsuit or insurance claim. These parties can include the city where the accident occurred, the state transportation department, the bus servicing company, the bus driver, and their union.

Specifics of California Law

In the state of California, the following rules apply when you’ve been involved in an accident involving a city bus.

• A claim may need to be filed with the local County Transportation Authority. Your lawyer will advise you on the necessity and steps in this process.
• The time frame for filing an injury claim is far shorter for a government agency. In general, a claim must be filed within six months to meet the statute of limitations outside highly specific situations.
• The city can be liable when it is a public bus and in situations where government negligence caused the accident. Examples of this negligence can include roads that have been rendered unsafe due to a lack of proper care, oversight, and maintenance.  

Final Thoughts

When you’ve been injured or inconvenienced through no fault of your own, it can be hard knowing what to do after being hit by a bus. One of the first steps you should take is contacting and acquiring the services of a skilled attorney. When dealing with the city and local government, it is important to have an expert in your corner. Your attorney will ensure that all proper paperwork is filed, deadlines are met, evidence is collected, and the legal system hears your side of the story. When you’ve been in an accident, you deserve to be made whole. Hiring proper legal representation ensures that matters are handled correctly and you have someone fighting for your rights.  

Categorised in: Injury