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Millions of Americans step on a school or public bus each day. They trust or perhaps take for granted that the driver has the appropriate training and experience to operate a bus. While most passengers get to their destination safely, sometimes accidents happen that can forever change the lives of those involved.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 700 million passengers are transported on motor coaches annually in the United States. In Indiana alone, there were 747 school bus accidents in 2016 as reported by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute. Public buses are not immune to accidents either. As per ABC News, the state of Illinois has at least one bus accident every 36 hours.
If you or someone you know was injured in a bus accident recently, you may benefit from discussing it with a seasoned Gary bus accident lawyer. By thoroughly reviewing the facts of your case, a professional personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable claim.
Buses are a convenient and inexpensive way to travel, whether sending children to school, going to work, or attending a concert. However, many people forget that they are heavy and cumbersome vehicles that come with serious accident risks. A loaded bus can weigh as much as 42,000 pounds, compared to a regular passenger vehicle that weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. Buses are also more prone to fires than other vehicles, sometimes leaving passengers in the rear of the bus with little or no options for escaping.
Other factors that contribute to bus accidents can include:
In addition, it is common for a pedestrian accident to occur when a bus driver is not paying attention.
Similar to other states, Indiana limits the amount of time a person has to file a civil lawsuit in a bus accident. Accident victims have two years from the date of their accident to file a claim in civil court. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations and can be found in Indiana Code Title § 34-11-2-4.
If a lawsuit is not filed within the two-year time limit, the potential plaintiff may lose their right to have their case heard in court, and therefore, the chance to recover their damages. Anyone considering a claim should discuss how this deadline will impact their case with a qualified Gary bus accident lawyer.
The laws and circumstances surrounding bus accidents in Indiana can be quite complex. With multiple victims, witnesses, and potential parties at-fault, these lawsuits need the knowledge and experience that a Gary bus accident lawyer can provide.
A well-versed attorney knows how a bus accident can impact nearly every facet of your life and their goal is to not only make this difficult time easier for you but to also obtain a fair settlement. Call today to set up a free consultation to learn more about your options following a bus accident.