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As with all vehicular accidents, several factors can contribute to a bus accident, including negligent driving or inadequately maintained equipment. While public transportation is seen as a safe alternative to driving, accidents can happen, and when Porter County residents are injured, their lives can be significantly altered just as seriously as those who have been hurt in standard motor vehicle crashes.
Identifying the underlying cause of a bus accident can be pivotal to a lawsuit, but it may require legal assistance. When multiple vehicles are involved in a collision, it is not uncommon for the defendant to allege that the fault belonged to other drivers involved in the crash.
Whether it is a privately owned and operated bus company or government-owned bus, the complex nature of these cases may require the assistance from an experience Porter County bus accident lawyer. Let a determined personal injury attorney fight for fair compensation for you.
The public transportation service in Indiana is largely run by the government, therefore granting it sovereign immunity against general lawsuits. Fortunately, sovereign immunity is waived when an individual is injured due to negligent operation. According to State v. Turner, 286 N.E.2d 697(1972), the courts have found that pedestrians injured by public transportation vehicles are eligible to sue.
Bus drivers in Porter Country must maintain an up-to-date special license to drive a bus, otherwise known as an Indiana Commercial Driver’s License. This is a requirement for any driver who will operate a vehicle carrying more than 16 people.
To satisfy the requirements of obtaining this license, the individual must be a United States permanent resident, be at least 21 years of age, and pass a special knowledge test. Applicants must be deemed fit and not have any illnesses that may affect their alertness and driving capacity. For more information about the bus operating requirements, reach out to a seasoned Porter County bus accident lawyer.
Although Indiana’s bus driver-selection process is rigorous, they still make mistakes or act recklessly on their own. Drivers may be fatigued, under the influence, impatient, or simply make an error that results in an accident.
Victims of bus accidents not only have to deal with the physical demands of rehabilitation and recovery but may also face an uphill battle with financial woes. Costly medical treatments, doctor/specialist visits, and medication coupled with losing time from work to ensure one’s health is stabilized can be an alarming situation for anyone. Some common injuries caused by bus accidents include:
On some occasions, the sheer size of a bus can cause a fatal accident, which may prompt a wrongful death lawsuit. The facts and circumstances surrounding the accident can play a large role in determining the outcome of such suit and holding an entity or individual accountable may be the first step in the process.
The devastation following a bus accident can resonate far beyond physical setbacks into the realm of psychological distress. However, a Porter County bus accident lawyer could work with you to help hold the responsible parties accountable. To find out more, call today.