Over the years the use of the public transit systems, including buses, has risen in Tennessee. As a result, the number of bus accidents in the state has also increased.
There can be many contributing factors in a bus accident. Insufficient safety measures, faulty machinery, lack of maintenance, inclement weather, dangerous roads, and driver negligence are some common factors that can cause bus accidents. If you were involved in a bus accident and were injured in any way, it may be beneficial to contact a Clarksville bus accident lawyer. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney could review your case and help you understand your potential options.
Bus Companies are Considered Common Carriers
The law stipulates that public and private bus companies, being common carriers, afford their passengers the best care possible. This definition of care extends beyond the skills demanded of regular motorists. If a bus driver does not ensure passenger safety, leading to an accident and injury, the injured person may have grounds for a negligence claim against the bus company, the driver, or both. A seasoned lawyer could assist an injured victim with filing a claim.
Law Requirements to Drive a Bus
Tennessee law is relatively lenient with regards to the stipulations related to driving a bus. To qualify as a school bus driver, a person typically needs to be 21 years of age with a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) along with a P (16 or more passengers) and S (school bus) endorsement. In addition to this, school bus drivers are required to complete four hours of driver training annually to retain their authorization.
The Challenges of Bus Accident Claims
As a Clarksville bus accident lawyer, we at The Higgins Firm, would like you to understand that these cases are often rife with challenges. One of the reasons for this is due to the fact that they operate under commercial vehicle laws. In general, the owners of the bus tend to have enormous amounts of resources available to fight a claim or lawsuit. That said, it is not recommended to pursue a case without the help of a bus accident lawyer in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Lawyers from The Higgins Firm are well versed in the relevant legislation associate with bus accident cases. For years we have been helping victims and their loved ones recover damages, and we would like to see how we may be able to help you. Let us review your case to determine questions like:
Guided by our insight into your case, we can help you to understand what you can expect. This will assist you in making a sound decision on what to do next.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
Every year, in the United States, there are approximately 300 fatal bus accidents. A further 1,000 people (on average) are injured. Some injured victims will recover; others will not. As a Clarksville bus accident lawyer might explain to you, these collisions typically involve many parties. Evidence will need to be reviewed in full to determine who is liable. Examples include:
In the event of a government entity being liable for a bus accident, the rules of recovering compensation will be different. For example, the statute of limitations to file a claim is much less. If you believe the accident is connected to a local, state, or federal government, please consult a Clarksville bus accident lawyer immediately. Examples of when a government entity may be involved included cases that include:
Bus accident can occur for a number of reasons, such as:
Bus accident injuries can be devastating. When they happen, it is common for multiple people to suffer harm. This can complicate the claims process, and slow it down considerably. If a driver of another vehicle caused the accident, it may further complicate things because there is a chance that their policy limits won’t cover the full extent of the losses. Because of these unique scenarios, it is recommended that you talk with a Clarksville bus accident lawyer.
Bus Drivers and Duty of Care
When a person is injured in a bus accident, they may be able to identify a party who can be held responsible for potential negligence. In most cases to establish negligence, a complainant may need to prove that:
Clearly demonstrating the elements listed above can drastically improve a person’s chance of recovering compensation for their injuries. It is important to quickly and accurately identify evidence that could support a negligence claim. Missing key facts could harm the integrity of a person’s claim. An experienced Clarksville bus accident attorney could carefully review the case and help identify what evidence or documentation could be beneficial.
Benefits of a Clarksville Bus Accident Lawyer
Finding legal counsel who is committed to a case can make all the difference in negotiations and in court. Bus accident cases can be both physically and emotionally taxing, as someone may still be recovering from the accident. It may be exceedingly stressful for a person to attempt to heal from their injuries and file a lawsuit simultaneously.
Contact a Clarksville bus accident lawyer for assistance in fighting for compensation while you focus on recuperating. If you were harmed in a bus accident and believe you may be eligible for compensation, call today to learn how a bus accident attorney in Clarksville may be able to help you.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
