Who Is Held Liable for a City Bus Accident?
The size of city buses and the number of people who ride on them set the stage for very serious damages when accidents happen, and when they do, the governmental body that is responsible for running the bus line can be held responsible. In the Charleston Area, this means the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). If you’ve been injured in a city bus accident, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Charleston bus accident attorney.
Common Types of City Bus Accidents
Every bus accident claim is unique to the circumstances at hand, but some of the most common types include the following:
- Rollovers, which are associated with top-heavy buses taking sharp turns too quickly, overcompensating for leaving the road, and colliding with other vehicles
- Sideswipe accidents, which are associated with bus drivers who fail to take their size and the arc of their turns into careful account when entering and exiting traffic, changing lanes, or making turns
- Head-on collisions, which are closely associated with distraction, impairment, aggression, and excess speed
- Jackknife accidents, which happen when articulated buses fold in on themselves like a jackknife closing, are generally related to excess speed in slippery driving conditions and to taking sharp turns or exits too quickly
- Backing-up accidents, which are often caused when bus drivers fail to pay adequate attention to the traffic and people at the rear
Bus accidents can also be the direct result of faulty parts, inadequate maintenance, or defective equipment.
Filing a Claim against a Governmental Entity
It’s important to note that filing a claim against a governmental entity like CARTA comes with additional legal complications, such as the following:
- An abbreviated statute of limitations, which is the amount of time you must file a lawsuit against the at-fault party
- Damage caps
- More limited circumstances in which you can seek compensation
If you were injured in a Charleston bus accident, you need the trusted legal guidance of a practiced bus accident attorney in your corner.
Seeking Compensation for Your Covered Losses
In a bus accident claim, you can seek compensation for your covered losses in each of the following important categories:
- Property damage, such as to your vehicle and its contents
- Your medical expenses, which may need to address ongoing healthcare needs related to complications or secondary health concerns that develop over time
- Your lost income, which may include lost earning potential
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can outpace all your other losses combined
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Charleston Bus Accident Attorney
Injured in a city bus accident? The compassionate Charleston bus accident attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold dedicate their imposing practice to skillfully guiding complex claims like yours through the related legal intricacies toward optimal outcomes, and we welcome the opportunity to help you as well. Your claim is important to your recovery, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call 864-432-1796 for more information today.