Whether you are getting around town with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority or taking a trip with Peter Pan Bus Lines, buses offer an economical and convenient alternative mode of transportation. However, like all other motor vehicles on the roads, there is always a risk of collisions between a bus and another vehicle, a bicycle, or a pedestrian.
These cases are often complex because they could involve multiple victims, vehicles, and drivers. Additionally, there are different considerations depending on whether the bus was privately or publicly owned. This is why it is best to consult with a Springfield bus accident lawyer if you have been hurt in a crash. Our personal injury attorneys at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. could provide advice on your legal options and guidance throughout the process so that you could focus on recovering from your injuries.
Buses are large and heavy but also capable of traveling at high speeds. This means that the impact of a bus slamming into another car is likely to cause significant damage and result in serious injuries. These injuries could include:
Any passengers on board the bus could suffer similar injuries from getting tossed around due to the lack of seat belts.
The large size of a bus makes it unwieldy, so bus drivers must have a high level of skill to operate the vehicle safely. The long hours of constant use and the weight of the vehicle could also cause significant wear and tear on its mechanical parts. This means that the bus requires regular maintenance to ensure it is in proper working order.
Many bus crashes are caused by negligence on the part of the driver or the bus company. Some examples include:
Sometimes, two or more of these factors may come together to form a disaster. Other times, the negligence of another driver may cause the collision. This is what makes crashes involving buses in Springfield so complicated and why having an attorney is so important. An experienced lawyer could thoroughly review the facts and circumstances that surround the incident to help determine where responsibility should lie.
Buses are not a type of vehicle that anyone could own; rather, a company or entity owns most buses. This adds an extra level of complexity to bus collision cases because there are different rules to consider, depending on whether the owner is a private company or a government entity.
For private companies, the usual procedures for civil actions apply. For instance, the claim must be filed in court within three years after the date of the accident, and victims could recover an appropriate amount to compensate for their injuries.
The Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, found under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 258, puts some limitations on claims against government employers. Injured victims must first present their claim in writing to the executive officer of the employer within two years, and the law puts a cap on the amount of compensation available to victims.
As such, it is imperative for injured victims in Springfield to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible after a bus collision. A knowledgeable attorney could help victims better understand what options are available to them.
If you have been hit by a bus or were riding one and got hurt, come and see a Springfield bus accident lawyer. Our team at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. has decades of experience helping victims recover compensation and restore their lives.
Our attorneys could help you navigate the complexities and limitations of your bus crash case from start to finish. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
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