When a person drives a bus for a living, they are taking many lives in their hands. They are taking responsibility not just for the people riding on their bus, but for pedestrians crossing the street, bike riders, motorcycle riders, and other drivers. In the event of a bus accident, is the bus driver necessarily at fault? Not always.
Read on to learn who can be held at fault for a bus accident. If you were injured in this type of accident, or you lost a loved one who was killed in a bus accident, it is worth talking to a personal injury attorney. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
1. The Bus Driver May Be at Fault
It is common for the public to assume that the bus driver is at fault and they may be right. If the driver is not properly trained, they could make a serious mistake that results in a wreck. If they are distracted, talking on their cell phone, or impaired then they could be the cause of the accident. Likewise, if they break the law, such as running a red light, they could be at fault for the accident.
2. The Bus Driver’s Employer May Be at Fault
There are several situations in which the bus company could inevitably be held responsible for the accident. For example, if they did not perform regular and required maintenance on the bus, and the lack of maintenance caused or contributed to the accident, they could be at fault. They must comply with all government regulations as well as California laws, including the number of hours they require their drivers to work. If they required – or even allowed – their driver to work more than was legally allowed, they could be held accountable.
3. Other Drivers Can Be at Fault
If you were riding on a bus and said bus was involved in an accident with another vehicle, the driver of that vehicle could be at fault. If so, then they, or their insurance, may be responsible for compensation the injured parties for their damages.
It is Possible That More Than One Party is at Fault
Of course, not all accidents are cut and dry – they may be the fault of several parties. For example, the bus driver may have been working more hours then they were legally allowed to, but another driver may have run a red light. Both of these factors could be responsible for the accident in which case both parties may be held responsible for the accident.
If you have been in an accident and are not sure who was at fault, or what to do about it, then we urge you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for your free legal consultation. We will assess the facts and help you determine what your legal options are.
