The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) provides 145 bus stations and stops in the Pittsfield area, making it economical and easy to get around. Your child may ride a Pittsfield Public Schools bus to classes and home again, or you may have boarded a long-distance bus carrier such as Greyhound for an out-of-town trip. Generally, these buses operate safely, but sometimes they do not, injuring riders, pedestrians, and other motorists sharing the road.
If someone’s reckless or negligent actions cause a crash, a Pittsfield bus accident lawyer could review your case and recommend how best to proceed. Do not wait – talk to our personal injury attorneys today to learn how we could help you seek fair compensation.
Negligent drivers cause most bus wrecks, despite receiving special training to operate a larger vehicle. Buses are scaled to carry a driver and at least nine passengers, and any accident in which the blame falls on the driver will be expensive to settle if several passengers are injured, making our attorneys’ negotiating skills valuable to you.
If a settlement is not reached, our attorneys are experienced litigators who will go to bat for you in civil court. We prove through evidence that the bus driver had a duty to drive safely, but did not, causing the collision.
Some actions that can show how irresponsible a bus driver acted include texting and driving, breaking traffic laws, and driving drunk. Sometimes, someone other than the bus driver is responsible for a wreck, too, including:
Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. is the largest and oldest personal injury law firm in central and western Massachusetts. Our clients trust that they will receive the compassionate attention and dedicated skill they deserve. Contact a Pittsfield bus accident attorney to learn how we could help you with your claim.
Government entities, such as the BRTA and Pittsfield Public Schools, that own and operate buses are generally immune to lawsuits because they operate for the good of the citizens, not for profit. However, injuries caused by negligence are not subject to immunity. Although the procedure to settle or win compensation differs from private negligence actions, and even differs between government departments, our Pittsfield attorneys understand the notice requirements and strict deadlines involved when a wreck occurs on a public bus.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires bus lines that transport more than 15 passengers to carry liability insurance of at least $5,000,000. Liability insurance coverage for buses that transport fewer passengers must be at least $1,500,000. An attorney could negotiate for a settlement that fairly covers your losses.
If a lawsuit is appropriate because a settlement offer is inadequate and will not cover your losses, juries can award compensation to cover them, including for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of the enjoyment of life. Because bus accidents can cause severe injuries, such as spinal cord and back trauma, neck injuries, or even death, you need a Pittsfield bus crash attorney who will fight hard to get you the compensation you need.
Bus accidents are complicated because liability often depends on whether the at-fault party is a private company and its driver, or a government entity and its driver. The rules to recover compensation differ, and failing to follow those rules can result in an unsuccessful claim.
If you are injured in a bus crash because of someone else’s negligence, call a Pittsfield bus accident lawyer today. We seek justice and compensation for our clients, and remember, there is no fee unless we win your case.
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