Bus Accidents
We could serve as your bus accident lawyer in Richmond.
Buses are a convenient and inexpensive method of transportation that many people use every day. Unfortunately, the convenience of riding the bus comes with the risk of being involved in bus accidents.
There are three primary types of bus accidents:
- Commercial bus accidents
- City and public transit bus accidents
- School bus accidents
Each type of accident can cause serious injuries and may even result in death. These accidents have a lot in common but laws governing them differ depending on which type of bus caused the accident. Most people need the assistance of a lawyer because of Virginia’s complex laws concerning bus accident liability. Our attorneys will know which law will apply to your case and know the appropriate steps to take to preserve your claim. We will advise you on the various statutes of limitations, notice requirements and deadlines, sovereign immunity defenses, and laws applicable to common carriers. The bus accident lawyer in Richmond at The Gee Law firm understand the laws and regulations governing public and private buses and how this distinction may impact your case. If you or a family member have been injured in a bus accident through no fault of your own, call our office today for a free case consultation.
The laws are different depending on what type of bus accident you were involved in. Knowing these distinctions and determining which laws are applicable to your case is the first step for a successful and favorable outcome.
Types of Bus Accidents
Private bus lines like Greyhound or MegaBus are considered common carriers and are regulated by specific state and federal laws. By law, commercial bus lines and its drivers must exercise the highest degree of care to ensure the safety of its passengers. Common carriers and its drivers are held to a higher standard of care than other vehicle operators because they are carrying paying passengers. The attorneys at The Gee Law Firm are familiar with the laws and regulations governing common carriers and are here to help you. If you have been injured while on a commercial bus line, call us today at (804) 226-4111 for a free case evaluation and let us serve as your bus accident lawyer in Richmond.
Each year, pedestrians, bus passengers, and private motor vehicle passengers are injured as a result of the negligent acts of a public bus driver. Accidents involving pubic buses can lead to serious injuries or even death. If you were injured as a result of an accident with a bus operated by a municipality or government entity, you may be able to claim damages against that entity. The attorneys at The Gee Law Firm understand the special laws and regulations that apply to these types of cases and are able to assist you.
Often times when suing a city or government entity, the doctrine of sovereign immunity will protect the entity and its employees from personal injury claims. Sovereign immunity is a complicated concept that potentially limits when cities and municipalities can be sued. Virginia law has strict notice requirements which requires you to act quickly to preserve your rights. If you have been seriously injured in an accident involving a city or public transit bus, don’t delay in contacting our office. We will help you understand your legal rights, the strict notice requirements, and the deadlines you must meet before you can pursue your claim.
Thousands of children are injured each year in school bus related accidents. School buses are inherently dangerous because they are not equipped with seat belts. School children have an increased risk of serious injury if they fall out of their seats during an accident or if bus driver slams on the brakes or makes a sudden sharp turn. A school bus can also cause an accident that injures pedestrians or passengers in other motor vehicles. School bus accident claims are very complicated because special rules apply to limit when bus drivers and school districts can be sued.
When a child or passenger in another motor vehicle is injured or killed in a school bus accident, they have a limited claim against the bus driver and usually must pursue a claim against the local school board. Because the bus driver is a government employee, the driver will be protected from lawsuits for acts of simple negligence. The bus driver will be held liable only for acts of gross negligence. The attorneys at The Gee Law Firm will investigate and examine the facts surrounding your school bus accident and help you determine if the driver’s conduct amounted to gross negligence. Although the bus driver is protected by the defense of sovereign immunity, the school board is not entitled to the same immunity as its bus drivers.
In accidents involving a school bus, you must comply with all statutory notice requirements and deadlines. Meaning, when a city or a county is a defendant, you must file a written notice of your claim and it must be received by the town attorney or other designated official within six months after an accident. If you fail to give timely notice, you may lose the right to pursue your claim and be forever barred. Our attorneys will help you sort through the myriad of statutes and case law applicable to your case and ensure your rights are preserved and protected.
Bus accidents often result in serious injuries such as:
- traumatic brain injuries
- internal bleeding
- broken bones
- neck and spinal injuries
- back and chest injuries
- lacerations or bruising
Talk to experts.
If you or someone you love have been involved in bus accidents with a school bus, city or public transit bus, or a commercial bus line, you may need an attorney to help you navigate the differing laws that apply to each type of bus crash. The Gee Law Firm can serve as your bus accident lawyer in Richmond. Our attorneys at The Gee Law Firm have the experience required to litigate your potential claims and get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, call us at 804-226-4111.