Many different types of buses travel through Florence. Commuters take advantage of the public bus transit system; parents put their children on buses to take them to school, and companies charter buses for special events. For the most part, bus transportation is a reliable and safe option. However, when bus accidents occur, they can bring devastating consequences.
If you are suffering from the effects of a bus crash, you should speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney. They could help you pursue a claim against the person or entity responsible for the impact and fight in your corner through every process. Reach out to enlist the legal counsel of a Florence bus accident lawyer today.
Frequent Causes of Bus Crashes in Florence
Due to their large size, buses are more challenging to handle than other vehicles and require drivers to display extra skill and attentiveness to operate safely. Much like cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, buses crash for many different reasons, including various types of negligence and auto or road defects.
Bus Driver Negligence or Recklessness
Professional bus drivers owe a duty of care to their passengers and others on the road. Even a simple mistake, such as looking away for a few seconds to check their cellphone, could result in severe casualties. Buses can crash due to drunk driving, fatigued driving, failing to follow traffic laws, or not compensating for poor weather or other hazardous road conditions.
Negligence or Recklessness of Another Driver
Not all bus accidents that occur are the fault of the bus driver. Some crashes are caused when other individuals on the road are careless. For example, cutting a bus off without giving the driver enough time or room to stop safely or failing to yield could result in a rear-end collision.
Problems with Bus Parts
Defective or damaged automotive parts can also cause crashes. Bus drivers and transportation companies should routinely check their vehicles to look for irregularities or problems before driving them, but they often cut corners in order to save money, putting people at risk.
Road Defects
Potholes and poorly marked construction sites can cause drivers to make abrupt maneuvers, often resulting in buses colliding with surrounding structures or other vehicles on the road.
An experienced Florence bus crash attorney can carefully investigate the circumstances of the incident to learn why it occurred and who is to blame. They can use this knowledge to defend the rights of injured individuals throughout every legal process and aggressively pursue the compensation they need.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
In addition to filing a claim against a negligent or reckless driver, a bus crash survivor might also be able to seek compensation from other sources. These might include:
- A transportation company that failed to provide adequate training to its drivers or schedule proper maintenance
- The manufacturer of defective auto parts
- A school district that employed lax hiring, maintenance, or supervision policies
In some instances, the city of Florence might even be liable for damages after a bus collision. Municipalities are responsible for keeping their roads free of potholes and other roadway defects. They must also remove ice and snow within a reasonable period. If the city fails to maintain its roads properly, a skilled Florence attorney can take necessary measures to help injured parties hold them accountable after a roadway accident involving public transportation occurs. It is crucial, however, to remember that the statute of limitations for most cases in Kentucky is one year.
Contact a Florence Bus Accident Attorney to Ensure Your Claim is Filed Properly
When buses are involved in a crash, they can cause devastating injuries. If you were harmed on or by a bus due to a negligent person or entity, a seasoned Florence bus accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, psychological distress, lost wages, and more. They can recover key evidence, file all necessary paperwork, and assemble a strong claim against the liable party within the set time constraints to ensure you have the best chances of getting the relief you need. Reach out today.
