Bus accidents are among the most devastating types of motor vehicle accidents, often resulting in serious injuries and death. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, driver exhaustion, vehicle malfunctions, and poor road conditions and road construction. When a bus accident occurs, victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses. This compensation can be obtained through a claim or lawsuit.
Any motor vehicle on the road designed to give transportation to more than 15 is considered bus and typically involve:
- School busses (Run by school districts)
- Public transit busses (Typically run by city entities)
- Commercial (Such as long distance bus carriers and local airporter companies)
- Shuttle services (Car rental agencies and hotels with large shuttles)
- Charter bus services
- Tour bus services
Filing a Bus Accident Claim in Pennsylvania
The first step in obtaining compensation after a bus accident is to file a claim. This claim can be filed with the insurance company of the bus company or the driver. To file a claim, you will need to provide evidence that the bus company or driver was responsible for the accident and that you suffered damages as a result. This evidence may include police reports, witness statements, medical bills, and other documentation.
Liability for buss accidents typically fall on one or more of the 4:
- The driver
- The entity that owns and operates the bus
- The bus maker
- A third party driver
However, as each case is different, liability will depend greatly on the nuances of the situation and may not be immediately obvious.
In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you fail to file a claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to compensation.
Litigating a Bus Accident Case in Pennsylvania
If your bus accident claim is denied or you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit. A bus accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania can be filed in either state or federal court. The type of court you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of damages you are seeking.
During the litigation process, both parties will have the opportunity to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present their case to a judge or jury. The goal of the litigation is to prove that the bus company or driver was at fault for the accident and that you are entitled to compensation for your losses.
Compensation for Bus Accident Victims in Pennsylvania
If you are successful in your bus accident claim or lawsuit, you may be entitled to a variety of types of compensation. These may include:
Medical expenses: This includes the cost of any medical treatment you received as a result of the accident, as well as any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
Lost wages: If you were unable to work as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you lost.
Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and other intangible losses you experienced as a result of the accident.
Property damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle, was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
