Determining responsibility after a bus accident is rarely straightforward. Multiple parties may be at fault, and state laws further complicate liability in Huntsville bus accident cases. Our dedicated bus accident attorneys at Siniard Law, LLC are ready to help assess responsibility for your crash.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
The bus driver is often the initial focus in determining legal responsibility in a Huntsville bus crash case. If they were texting, speeding, or running a red light, they may be responsible for what happened. However, an accident can involve multiple responsible parties.
The bus company itself might be liable if it did not maintain the vehicle properly. Worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty steering systems indicate negligent maintenance. Companies that neglect required inspections or keep unsafe buses on the road can face serious consequences.
Government entities operate many city buses. Suing a government agency involves different procedures and much shorter deadlines than your typical personal injury claims. You must follow state-specific notice requirements when you are dealing with municipal transit authorities.
Sometimes, other drivers on the road cause bus accidents. A car that cuts off a bus or runs a stop sign may be at fault. In these situations, the negligent driver’s insurance company would handle the claims.
The Contributory Negligence Rule
Huntsville operates under one of the strictest liability standards in the United States, which means that if you are even one percent at fault for the bus accident, your claim cannot recover any compensation. This harsh standard means insurance companies will look for any reason to blame you, even partially, for the accident.
The insurance adjuster might argue you contributed to your own injury. Even a small mistake on your part could eliminate your entire claim. This rule makes gathering evidence immediately after the accident critical. Witness statements, video footage, and accident reconstruction can help prove you did nothing wrong.
Special Rules for Common Carriers
Buses qualify as common carriers under state law, specifically in Alabama. Code § 37-3-2. This means bus companies are held to a higher duty of care and must use the highest degree of diligence, foresight, and caution to protect passengers from harm.
A bus company must inspect and maintain its vehicles regularly, train drivers properly, and address mechanical or safety issues promptly. Under this elevated standard, courts may consider even minor oversights, such as failing to check brakes, allowing driver fatigue, or ignoring passenger safety hazards, as negligence.
This works in your favor when building a Huntsville bus crash liability case. Bus companies cannot defend themselves by claiming they met basic safety requirements because state law expects them to do more than is required to protect everyone they transport.
Time Limits Matter
In Huntsville, injured victims must file a liability lawsuit within two years of the bus accident. If you miss this deadline, the court will generally dismiss your case, regardless of how strong your evidence is. Claims against government entities often have shorter time limits, sometimes as little as six months.
Speak With a Huntsville Lawyer About Who Is Responsible in Your Bus Crash Case
Identifying liable parties in a bus accident requires thorough investigation and quick action. Bus companies have large legal teams working to minimize their responsibility and will start building their defense immediately after a crash.
Photos from the scene, contact information from witnesses, and medical records are crucial pieces of your claim. The sooner you start gathering evidence, the stronger your case becomes.
Siniard Law, LLC, knows how to tackle the specific challenges of liability in Huntsville bus accident cases. We investigate thoroughly, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve after a serious accident. Contact our firm today to have an attorney evaluate your case and determine liability. These consultations are always free.
