Can I Sue the City for a Bus Accident?

A car accident with any type of vehicle can be stressful, but what if your accident was with a city bus or an emergency response vehicle. You may have questions such as can I recover compensation? Who should be held responsible for my accident? Do I need to hire a lawyer for my claim? If you are in an accident involving public transportation, you have a right to file a claim against the city for compensation. Each state has its own laws regarding personal injury claims, which is why it’s important to contact an injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process.

Common Causes of Public Transportation Accidents

Studies have found that riding the bus is 60 times safer than driving, however, bus and public transportation accidents may still occur and can result in catastrophic injuries. Common causes of bus accidents include:

• A negligent or distracted bus driver
• Negligent third-party drivers
• Inadequate driver training
• Poorly maintained buses
• Bus or train station hazards

Determining Liability

Determining who is responsible for your bus accident can be complicated, it depends on who owns the bus company of the bus that was involved in your accident. According to San Antonio car accident attorneys Maloney & Campolo, the following parties may be liable for your accident:

• A private bus company. If the crash occurred on a tour, party bus or any motor vehicle owned by a private company.
• The city, if there was a school or city bus involved in the accident.
• A private party, if another motorcycle or vehicle caused the accident.
• Product manufacturer, if the accident was caused by a defective part.

Filing a Claim Against the Government

Governments in the U.S. have “Sovereign Immunity” which protects them against lawsuits, although many people believe this makes them immune to prosecution, this is not the case.  If you were in an accident with a public transit vehicle you are able to file a claim with the government to recover damages for your injuries or property damage. It’s important to note that while you can file a claim against the government, you must follow special rules and do it within the statute of limitations, otherwise if you miss the deadline you will lose your right to compensation.

The rules and time limits to file a claim against a public entity vary depending on the level of government you will be filing against; each state government has its own statute of limitations as well as each city and county government. A car accident attorney will be able to help you determine what level of government to file the claim against and if you’re within the statute of limitations. Depending on the governmental level, they may also have limits on the amount of compensation you can receive.

Filing a civil lawsuit against any governmental entity can be a complicated and intimidating process. Trying to recover after an accident can feel stressful and you may be worried about your lost income, injuries, medical bills, and other aspects of your life. After your accident, seek legal representation as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to guide you during this complicated time and pursue the best possible settlement for your injuries.