Aurora Bus Accidents

Bus Drivers And Their Duty Of Care

Any motorist who gets behind the wheel has an obligation to drive their vehicle safely and responsibly. This duty also applies to bus drivers, regardless of who they work for. However, the rules are slightly different because bus drivers must pass licensing exams and are taught how to handle large vehicles safely.

Although this might sound like the same duty of care all drivers share, the duty of care for bus drivers takes into consideration:

• The experience level of the driver
• The size of the bus they’re operating
• General traffic rules applicable to all motorists
• Special state and federal rules that apply to commercial vehicles like buses

These factors are crucial when deciding whether a bus driver has acted negligently. Violating any bus-specific law or regulation can be enough to find the bus driver negligent, even if there’s no comparable rule for private motorists.

Trust Your Aurora Bus Accident Lawyer To Investigate Your Case

Because bus drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists, it’s essential to have the experienced legal team at Bachus & Schanker thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your bus accident.

Your attorney will be familiar with the elements of a bus driver’s duty of care and the signs that this duty was violated. Even if it doesn’t initially appear that the bus driver was at fault, a closer inspection might reveal otherwise.

Before you conclude that you’re not entitled to compensation, speak with us about your situation. You might be surprised to learn about the legal remedies that are available to you.

Liability For Bus Crashes

Another difference between collisions involving private motor vehicles and those involving buses is liability. In a wreck involving private vehicles, drivers are typically the only ones responsible for paying damages to others. It’s unusual for other individuals or companies to share the blame for the crash.

However, Bachus & Schanker’s Aurora bus accident attorneys know that the driver is just one of several potentially responsible parties. Other individuals and entities whose actions should be examined for indications of negligence include:

• The bus company, for negligent hiring or failing to supervise the driver
• The bus manufacturer, for using defective parts
• The mechanic or maintenance company, for failing to keep the bus in good working order
• Other drivers, for creating a situation that was dangerous for the bus driver

Failing to bring suit against all responsible parties can result in injury victims receiving less compensation than they rightfully deserve.

Holding Municipalities Accountable

The city of Aurora and other government entities can also be negligent in hiring drivers, maintaining public buses, and disciplining drivers with a history of dangerous conduct. However, taking action against these public entities is much more difficult than seeking legal recourse against a private company or driver.

Colorado’s Tort Claims Act sets forth a procedure that must be followed when someone tries to sue a city, county, or state agency. Failing to follow these procedures to the letter can lead to a denial of your claim and a loss of your right to compensation, regardless of how severe your injuries are.

For example, you must give written notice to all potentially liable government agencies within 182 days of your accident. In this notice, you must provide:

• Your name and address, along with those of your attorney
• A concise statement of facts regarding the claim
• The name and address of any public employees involved
• A detailed description of the nature of your injuries
• A listing of the damages you’re seeking

These are just some of the requirements you must meet if the City of Aurora or some other public entity is to blame for your bus accident.

Our seasoned attorneys are well-versed in the state’s tort claims act. Working with us is an effective way to ensure that your claim complies with these and any other key legal requirements.

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Aurora, contact our firm right away to start your claim.

Your Aurora Bus Accident Attorneys Are Ready To Help

When you retain the services of the capable legal team at Bachus & Schanker, we’ll discuss the circumstances of your accident and identify who owes you compensation. 

We’ll use the full extent of our resources and knowledge to help you recover the damages you need. Involving us in your case as soon as possible is crucial for protecting your right to compensation against negligent bus drivers and their employers.

Sources:

City of Aurora.

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 24.

Understanding Passenger Carrier Regulations.