Bus accidents are responsible for some of the most devastating and life-altering injuries a person can suffer. It can be difficult to determine who to sue after a bus accident, though.
Bus accident cases are complex personal injury cases, but a skilled Nashville bus accident lawyer can help review the facts of your case to determine the best approach. Depending on your accident, several parties could be responsible for your injuries. However, certain bus operators are more challenging to hold accountable because of laws that protect them from litigation.
If you were injured in a bus accident, our Nashville bus accident lawyers will fight for you. For a free case assessment, call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Common Injuries from a Bus Accident in Nashville, TN
Bus accidents are one of the most serious that a person can be involved in. Buses are large, powerful vehicles that can cause catastrophic and long-lasting injuries. The following are common injuries that you could suffer in a Nashville bus accident:
- Concussions and other traumatic head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Facial disfigurement and dental injuries
- Injuries from passenger ejections
- Burns
- Internal injuries
Virtually all these injuries can significantly impact the victim’s life. Even if your injuries are relatively minor, you still deserve to be compensated for another party’s negligence. Our Nashville bus accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you need for the treatment your injuries require.
Higher Standard of Care for Bus Operators in Nashville, TN
Most buses are considered common carriers, meaning they provide public transportation in exchange for money. As common carriers, bus drivers and owners owe a higher standard of care to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians than a typical car driver does. Bus operators must be highly trained, and their equipment maintained in safe conditions. A bus driver and their employer could be held liable if they breach this high duty of care, resulting in your injuries. Our Nashville bus accident lawyers can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for the standards they failed to meet.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident in Nashville, TN
In Tennessee, whoever is determined to be at fault for the accident is liable for any damages. This is because Tennessee is an at-fault state. When a bus accident occurs, you will be able to file a claim for benefits against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. If the bus driver is to blame, you can file a claim against their commercial insurance provider. You also have the option of filing a claim with your car insurance.
One of the benefits of being an at-fault state, though, is that your right to file a lawsuit for damages is not limited. Often, insurance cannot provide the coverage needed for the injuries a person suffers in a bus accident. Insurance generally only covers your medical expenses and lost wages, but your damages could be much more serious. In this situation, you can file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation you would not receive through insurance, like pain and suffering damages.
Bus accidents are complex cases because of the number of potential defendants that could be named in your lawsuit. Depending on what caused your bus accident, several parties could be responsible for your injuries.
The Bus Driver
In many cases, the bus driver will be responsible for the accident you were injured in. If a bus driver negligently causes an accident or violates inspection and maintenance regulations, they can be held liable for their injuries.
The Busing Company
In addition to the bus driver, the busing company that employs them could also be held responsible for your injuries. Busing companies must follow strict safety regulations to prevent accidents from occurring. This includes inspecting the bus to ensure it is working properly and resolving any dangerous issues they encounter. They must also ensure their drivers are properly trained and only hire those drivers who have passed a thorough background check.
A busing company could also be responsible for the negligent acts of their drivers. Under the legal theory of vicarious liability, if an employee was on the clock and working in the normal scope of their job when the accident occurred, both the employee and employer could be held liable for damages.
Third-Party Companies
In some situations, a third party could be responsible for the accident you were involved in. For instance, the manufacturer of a bus part could be held liable if the part is defective somehow, leading to an accident. Also, maintenance companies hired by busing companies to inspect and maintain their fleet might fail to provide the service they were hired for, leading to devastating results.
City and State Busing Companies
Lastly, many Nashville buses are owned and operated by the city, while the state owns others. This can present additional challenges before you can file your lawsuit. Many government agencies require notice of your intention to file a lawsuit against them. The time limit you will have to file your notice will depend on the agency involved in your accident, so it is important to identify the bus owner quickly and research their notice requirements. Our Nashville bus accident lawyers can help you determine each party that played a role in causing your injuries and make sure your case is filed properly.
Statute of Limitations to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Nashville, TN
The statute of limitations is Tennessee’s time limit to file a bus accident lawsuit. Tennessee has one of the stricter deadlines in the country, providing the victim of a bus accident only one year from the date of their accident to file their lawsuit. If your case does not fall under one of the few exceptions, failure to file your lawsuit in time will result in its dismissal. Our Nashville bus accident lawyers can help you start the litigation process so that precious time is not lost.
Our Nashville, TN, Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, our Nashville bus accident lawyers can provide you with a free case review today. Contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
