Who is Responsible for a Bus Wreck?
When an attorney in The Colony reviews a bus accident claim, one of their first steps is to identify the party or parties at fault. It is impossible to move forward with these claims without first identifying the potential defendants in a lawsuit.
In many cases, the driver of a bus could be primarily responsible for an accident. Bus operators are not infallible, and even a minor mistake behind the wheel could result in a catastrophic collision. Bus drivers can cause accidents by violating the rules of the road, driving while fatigued, or operating the bus under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The company or government entity that owns the bus might also face civil liability after a wreck. These entities have a duty to ensure the vehicle is in working order, and the operator is not a danger behind the wheel. Negligence in the hiring or maintenance department could result in civil liability for the bus owner. If the bus driver negligently caused the accident while working within the scope of their employment, the busy company could also face liability under a theory known as respondeat superior.
Other potential defendants in a bus accident case might include:
- State or local governments
- Bus passengers
- Mechanics
- Bus manufacturers
Identifying the prospective defendants in a bus crash lawsuit is only the first step. To recover compensation, a claimant and an attorney must also identify the damages available.