Accidents involving a city bus do occur from time to time and can cause significant injuries if the bus has hit a pedestrian crossing the road or even on an adjacent sidewalk. Cyclists in the city are also at risk when bus drivers fail to see them.
Whether you are in a vehicle or on two feet, if you have been injured in a bus accident you should consider filing a claim for compensation against the city. Contact a personal injury attorney for advice first.
How an Accident Could Happen
Bus drivers are not always as courteous and careful as they should be and it is quite possible that poor driving or a distracted driver can cause an accident.
Those in vehicles and on bicycles and motorcycles are most likely to be hit when a bus pulls in or out of a bus stop, at an intersection, or when the bus changes lanes suddenly.
Because of the relative size of a bus, even a slight crash can cause significant injuries, although pedestrians are most vulnerable.
Some bus accidents even involve the bus mounting the side walk and hitting pedestrians, mainly because a driver was momentarily distracted or nodded off to sleep.
Damages You Could Claim
Personal injury claims must be made against the bus company itself, even when there is driver error. Typical damages include:
- Repayment of the full cost of medical treatment, including any estimated future treatment;
- Compensation for any lost wages or other earnings because it was impossible to return to work straight away;
- The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property;
- Compensation for the pain and suffering involved;
- Punitive damages if gross negligence caused the injury.
How to Make a Personal Injury Claim
To make a claim you will need to act fairly swiftly, as it is classified as a government entity, although some services like para-transit are operated by a contractor.
You need to file an initial notice of claim to the offending party within 6 months of the injury. If there is no response to the claim or, more likely, a rejection of the claim, you should then proceed to file a personal injury claim through the civil court.
Any claim should be accompanied by a justification for making the claim. Basically, you need to prove that the driver was acting in a negligent way.
Note that some bus accidents are more complicated and other vehicles may be involved.
You will also need to submit documentary evidence of the damages you are claiming, such as bills for medical treatment and from an auto repair yard.
Why You Should Choose a Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney can provide valuable advice and because of the short time available for making the initial notice of claim help to prepare a valid submission that includes all necessary documentation.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against FAX, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
