Liability in Phenix City Bus Accident Cases
Bus accidents occur under many unfortunate circumstances, and more than one person or entity could share responsibility. However, trying to uncover what happened and determine liability in Phenix City bus accident cases can be difficult, which is why working with our knowledgeable bus crash attorney at Bence Law Firm, LLC is crucial.
If you or your family member suffered harm in a bus crash, attorney David Bence, who comes from a long line of dedicated lawyers, could help you determine what caused the crash and who may hold legal responsibility.
What Are the Typical Causes of Bus Wrecks?
Driver error is a common contributing factor in bus wrecks. Some driving behaviors that can lead to a crash include:
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Inexperience
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Aggressive driving, such as tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes or illegal passing
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Although driving mistakes are often to blame, accidents can also occur for other reasons, such as faulty or worn-out bus parts or negligent hiring practices. Our determined Phenix City lawyer could investigate the bus crash to determine the cause and identify who may be liable in your case.
Potential Liable Parties After a Bus Crash
More than one person or entity could be responsible for a bus crash, and the most common parties we could pursue liability for include the following.
Bus Drivers
Most bus crashes occur due to bus drivers’ mistakes. David Bence at Bence Law Firm, LLC could help you file a claim against the individual bus driver for negligence. However, their personal insurance policy might not be sufficient to fully cover your losses, so it may be in your best interest to search for other liable parties.
Private Bus Companies
If a private bus company owned the bus, you might be able to recover damages from the company. As common carriers, buses have an increased level of liability because they have a duty to provide safe transportation to passengers. Under the theory of respondeat superior, employers can be liable for the negligent actions of their employees.
Private bus companies can also be directly liable for their own actions, such as failing to maintain their buses, using negligent hiring practices, inadequately training new drivers, or not allowing their drivers adequate rest time.
Governmental Authorities
If the bus in the crash was a public school or transit bus, you might be able to sue the local municipality or another governmental agency in charge. However, you need to adhere to stricter notice and filing deadlines when suing a governmental agency.
Manufacturer and Mechanics
If a defective automotive part caused the bus to crash, you could sue the manufacturer. Or, if the mechanic in charge of inspecting and repairing the bus failed to notice a faulty part, you could proceed with a claim against them as well.
Third-Party Drivers
Accidents can also occur when third-party drivers make negligent driving mistakes. Our dedicated Phenix City legal firm could search for all possible liable parties to maximize your recovery in a bus crash claim.
Consult a Phenix City Lawyer About Liability in a Bus Crash Case
Bus accidents can have life-altering consequences, and you deserve to have justice for those responsible for the harm you have suffered. By working with Bence Law Firm, LLC, we could help you pursue liability in Phenix City bus accident cases and the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Consult with attorney David Bence today to discuss your options.