Bus Accident Lawyers
Buses present a danger to both their own passengers and the motorists who must share the road with them. When you have been injured in a bus accident, you may deserve financial compensation when someone else was to blame.
The Oklahoma bus accident lawyers at Federman & Sherwood bring a tenacious approach to your case. We have been fighting for the rights of victims for decades, and we promise to do the same for you. When you hire us for your case, you are more than just a number; you are a person with your own challenges that we will take the time to learn.
Federman & Sherwood is located at 10205 N Pennsylvania Ave, The Village, OK 73120, between West Hefner Road and West Britton Road. Call us today at (800) 237-1277 to schedule a free initial consultation with a bus accident lawyer.
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Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Buses are very large vehicles that can weigh up to 40,000 pounds (in the case of a city bus) without passengers inside. Drivers require both extensive training and experience to safely operate the vehicle. Unfortunately, there is a national bus driver shortage, leaving bus companies to rely on inexperienced operators. Even the most experienced bus drivers may make mistakes due to carelessness or a lack of regard for the rules.
Causes of bus accidents in Oklahoma include:
- Driver error due to inexperience
- Distracted driving, whether it is because the operator is on their cell phone or they are dealing with passengers
- Buses that are poorly maintained by the company
- Speeding because the bus driver is trying to reach the destination on time
- Defective parts on the bus
- Fatigued operators who are either working a long shift or driving the bus early in the morning or late at night
Who Can You Sue in a Bus Accident Case?
There are multiple potential defendants in a bus accident case, depending on both what your position was at the time of the crash and who may have been to blame. The most common defendant in a bus accident case is the company or agency that was responsible for the vehicle. This can be either a private or public bus company. If your child was injured in a school bus crash, you can file a claim with the school district.
If you were a passenger on the bus involved in the accident, you can sue either the bus driver or another motorist who was involved in the accident. If you were a driver of another car on the road, you can sue the bus company.
The common carrier doctrine should apply to your case. This doctrine heightens the duty of care that one owes to the public when they offer to transport people in exchange for money.
Why Bus Accident Cases Are Different Than Other Motor Vehicle Crashes
Bus accident cases involve a number of complexities that can make your claim more challenging. Here is what may be different in your bus accident case:
- There are multiple potential defendants, and your case may even have several responsible parties.
- There are special rules involved if your claim is against a public entity, such as EMBARK
- There may be multiple injured plaintiffs who are seeking compensation from the same pool of money
- The weight of the bus could lead to more serious injuries for motorists on the road
“No matter the complexity of your bus accident case, you can have peace of mind that comes from knowing that I am on the job and working to maximize your compensation at all times.” Oklahoma bus accident lawyer J.T. Sherman.
What to Do After You Have Been Injured in a Bus Accident
Here are the steps that you should take after you have been involved in a bus crash
- Make sure that the accident is reported to both the police and the bus company
- Get immediate medical help for all of your injuries
- Do not speak about the substance of what happened, whether it is to the bus company or an insurance adjuster
- Hire a bus accident attorney as soon as possible to represent you in the legal process
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?
The amount of time that you have to file a bus accident claim in Oklahoma depends on who you are suing. If your accident involved a city bus, there is a shorter time frame to file a claim. Under the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act, you have one year from the date of your injury to file your claim. The statute of limitations in a lawsuit involving a private party is two years from the date that the accident occurred. Missing this deadline will likely take away your ability to seek compensation, unless you can prove that an exception applies.
Contact an Oklahoma Bus Accident Law Firm
Whether you were a passenger on the bus itself, or the driver of a car involved in an accident with the vehicle, Federman & Sherwood can help. Give yourself a leg up on the legal process by scheduling a free initial consultation with a bus accident attorney. You can schedule an appointment to speak with one of our lawyers by messaging us online or by calling us today at (800) 237-1277.