Need an Injury Attorney in Massachusetts for Your Bus Accident?
In Massachusetts, many people use bus services to get from one place to another. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirms a weekday ridership of more than a million people. There are about 850 buses available for trips in the state every single day! However, with so many people using buses as their main mode of transportation, it is no wonder that you will sometimes hear of serious bus accidents across the state. Have you been injured in a serious bus accident and believe that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries? We can help today!
What is Common Carrier Law?
If you have ridden on a bus, passenger train, taxicab, or a variety of other service vehicles, you have ridden on a “common carrier.” These entities are types of transportation whose business is to carry people or goods from one place to another for a fee. Common carriers, because they are tasked with the job of carrying many people throughout any given day, must exercise the highest degree of care when it comes to the safety of their passengers.
Take, for example, not being warned of a serious condition on a bus. Maybe there is a broken seat and the driver did nothing to warn you. The bus is involved in an accident and, suddenly, you are thrown out onto the aisle because the seat tipped to the side. You sustain extremely serious injuries as a result. In these cases, you would be able to receive compensation for your injuries if you file a claim.
Negligence in a Bus Accident Case
There are many ways that bus drivers act negligently every year, even when they are supposed to abide by the highest standard duty of care. For instance, sometimes bus drivers will fail to utilize care when they speed, or drive even though they are fatigued, or even fail to maintain their vehicles as they are supposed to. Companies who own these vehicles or employ bus drivers could also be held liable in cases where a bus driver was not trained properly or put on the roads even though they are inexperienced.
The problem is: Many common carriers are also governmental agencies. This means that there are time limits when it comes to filing your claim for damages, and there may be special protections in your case that could put you in an uncomfortable position. These cases become more difficult than your regular personal injury case, which is why you should always have an experienced attorney on your side.
What if my Child Was Injured?
Bus drivers also owe children the highest duty of care, which is why in school bus accidents, you may find that it is not difficult to receive the compensation your child deserves if they have been injured. Children are offered protections under the law and have the right to compensate when you file a claim on their behalf. Because school buses are part of a district that consists of state government ownership in many cases, you will need to comply with the statute of limitations and get started on your claim as soon as possible.
In many bus accidents, serious injuries can result from negligent actions. If you or a loved one has been injured and you now have piling medical bills or suffer from daily pain or permanent injuries, you should act as soon as possible to retain your rights and gain compensation quickly. Call an experienced attorney to get started on your case.