Any vehicular accident can be devastating, but accidents involving buses have increased the potential to cause significant damage due to the relative size and weight of buses and the number of people who may be involved. In addition, the specific laws applicable to civil cases stemming from bus accidents may cause complications in an injured person’s case, depending on the type of bus involved.
For these reasons, and because injuries often necessitate high medical expenses that should be compensated, it may be important to contact a skilled Lake County bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after such an incident. If you are injured in a bus accident, get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney today.
How Different Buses Create Different Accident Cases
Buses come in a variety of styles, and the type of bus involved in an accident may impact the legal ramifications of the case. Some laws have been introduced specifically to regulate certain types of buses, so to better understand how a specific law relates to a unique case, it is usually best to consult with a knowledgeable Lake County bus accident lawyer immediately after the accident.
Government-Owned Buses
Other than charter buses, the most common buses on the road are operated by local governments. These include school buses, prison buses, and similar vehicles. Since these vehicles are owned and operated by the government, special laws apply to them.
For example, the deadline for filing a claim against the government for injuries and damages sustained in a bus accident is one year. This is much shorter than the usual two-year period allowed by the State of Illinois for most other personal injury cases. Additionally, the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, located in 745 Illinois Compiled Statutes 10, states that damages can be sought from the government only in circumstances that involve “willful or wanton” behavior.
Showing Negligence in Bus Accident Cases
In order to receive compensation for their injuries, a person injured in a bus accident must demonstrate to the court that the defendant acted negligently. This means the injured person must show that the driver, manufacturer, or owner of the bus in question is directly responsible for the accident that caused their injuries.
Examples of driver-centric negligence include driver fatigue, impairment by alcohol or drugs, and medical conditions that affect reaction time. However, the owner or operator of a bus may be held liable for administrative errors like a failure to perform proper background checks on drivers or poor vehicle maintenance.
However, it is important to reiterate that an added layer of difficulty is present in cases against the government. If an accident involves a government-operated bus like a school bus or prison bus, it may be imperative to seek the services of a bus accident lawyer in Lake County.
The Benefit of a Lake County Bus Accident Attorney
Experienced legal counsel could help you deal with every aspect of the aftermath of your bus accident injuries. From compiling evidence of the bus driver’s negligence to cataloging the value of the damages you suffered, a Lake County bus accident lawyer could work to strengthen your case and help you fight for compensation.
If you were injured in a bus accident, call today to schedule an initial consultation. The sooner you retain a skilled attorney, the sooner you can start working toward receiving the compensation you may be due.
