Buses are an excellent form of transportation that residents use daily throughout the country. While they are less common than passenger car collisions, accidents can have devastating consequences for passengers and those outside the bus.
When crashes occur because of negligence, such as operator error or the company’s failure to ensure the vehicles receive regular maintenance, victims have the right to pursue payment from the responsible party with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney. Contact a Virginia Beach bs accident lawyer to schedule an appointment and learn more.
All motorists traveling on state roads and highways have a legal obligation, called duty of care, to act reasonably and prevent crashes and injuries to others. However, state laws hold bus drivers and the companies employing them, called common carriers, to the highest standard, and they must keep passengers safe while riding in the vehicles. Per the Code of Virginia § 46.2-2000, common carriers are people or entities providing transportation services to the general public in exchange for a fee.
Some examples include buses, railroads, and airplanes. They must offer their services to everyone without discrimination and adhere to strict rules and regulations, or they will face penalties.
Bus companies must comply with safety rules and apply for certificates at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles before operating in the state. When crashes happen, they are liable for covering the cost of passenger bodily injuries, property damage, and other losses and must settle the claim promptly. Our attorneys in Virginia Beach understand these regulations and could help a person seek compensation after a bus collision.
Some examples of the primary causes of bus crashes include:
After reviewing the case details, a Virginia Beach bus collision attorney could answer specific questions about the cause, proving liability, and the civil court process.
After proving the common carrier’s actions were a breach of their legal duty to keep passengers safe, the civil court may award damages for the following:
Personal injury or tort regulations award payment to the victims to compensate them for their losses and restore them to their position before the accident. A bus crash lawyer in Virginia Beach has the experience to establish fault and collect the maximum potential settlement amount.
Ensuring the safety of all residents and guests using buses for transportation is a significant concern. Bus operators and the transportation companies they work for must provide each passenger with the highest level of care to keep them safe and avoid accidents causing them harm. You have legal rights and may seek payment if you sustained damages while riding as a common carrier passenger and suffered harm.
Contact a compassionate Virginia Beach bus accident lawyer for more information and help with your case. The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C. could help you secure compensation for your losses.
