The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) operates over 100 busses on 38 routes throughout Birmingham, Alabama. Public transportation offers an affordable way to travel without a car. Busses offer flexible options to both tourists and residents alike.
Unfortunately, buses are occasionally involved in collisions. Bus passengers, other motorists, and cyclists are all at risk for injury when a bus crashes. A Birmingham bus accident attorney from the Morris Bart law firm can aid your financial recovery after an accident.
Birmingham Bus Accident FAQ
Assigning liability in a bus crash can take some legal posturing and in-depth investigating. A Birmingham bus accident lawyer can answer any and all questions you have about your case.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
What Should I Expect From My Birmingham Bus Accident Case?
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
A careless driver may be responsible for your accident or poor weather may be to blame. Several parties may have contributed to the collision that injured you. However, when busses are involved in accidents, there are a few likely parties to consider.
The Bus Driver
Working as a bus driver comes with substantial responsibility. Not only does a bus carry 40-80 passengers, but it can also weigh as much as 40,000 pounds. A careless driver can cause mass destruction. Negligent acts that could contribute to a bus accident include:
- Drunk driving
- Texting and driving
- Drowsy driving
The Bus Company
The bus company may be liable for your damages. A bus driver cannot safely operate a bus without proper training. A bus driver’s employer may be liable if they:
- Hired someone with known substance abuse problems
- Hired an unlicensed driver
- Failed to maintain their vehicles
The Vehicle Manufacturer
A bus manufactured with a faulty design or defective parts is not safe to operate. Mistakes made during assembly may also compromise a vehicle’s safety. Automobile manufacturers periodically issue safety recalls for vehicles with known defects.
A Mechanic
Even a safe vehicle must be maintained routinely to keep it in good running order. A bus company may do their due diligence and have their vehicles inspected regularly. If a mechanic delivers poor service that results in an accident, they may be liable for your injuries.
State and Local Government
State and local governments are responsible for constructing and maintaining roadways. The government may be responsible for your bus crash if it was caused by:
- Potholes
- Broken traffic signals
- Inadequate signage
Our team of bus accident lawyers in Birmingham can review your case to identify the liable party.
What Should I Expect from My Birmingham Bus Accident Case?
When you work with a Morris Bart bus accident attorney in Birmingham, your case is in good hands. After suffering injuries in a bus accident, your priority should be regaining your health.
We can manage your legal matters, including:
- Launching an investigation into the cause of the collision
- Determining which party or parties are at-fault
- Gather evidence, including police reports
- Calculating your accident-related expenses
- Negotiating a settlement that will meet your needs
- Ensuring your rights are upheld
- Prepare you for court if necessary
If you are considering legal action after a bus crash, there is no reason to be nervous. Only about 5% of personal injury cases go to trial while most settle out of court. Our law firm will be with you every step of the way.
For a free legal consultation with a Bus Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call (205) 380-4158
Alabama Laws that Affect Your Case
Regardless of where you live, if your bus accident occurred in Birmingham, Alabama laws apply. Working with a lawyer can ensure you are aware of state laws that will affect your accident case.
Statute of Limitations
In Alabama, the statute of limitations of personal injury lawsuits is two years. You must file your lawsuit before this deadline or your case will be dismissed. While this may sound like a long time, building a strong case takes time. The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the sooner your case may be resolved.
Contributory Negligence
Alabama follows very strict contributory negligence rules. If you are partially at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. Even if you can prove negligence took place, you may be barred from seeking compensation.
Insurance companies understand contributory negligence and will strive to prove you share fault so they won’t be obligated to reimburse your losses.
Contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC After Your Bus Accident
If you have any questions about your rights after a bus crash, discuss your case with a bus accident lawyer in Birmingham from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. We offer free consultations with no commitment to hire us.
If you are too injured to travel, we may be able to come to you. We can also consult with you over the phone or by teleconference. Call 24/7 to learn more about our team and how we can help you.
Questions?Call (205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
