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While misconduct of an operator of any type of motor vehicle could cause a person harm, the negligent actions of bus drivers have the potential to cause life-altering injuries. The mere size of a bus guarantees it will impart significant force on any other vehicle it collides with. Additionally, the people inside a bus may also suffer substantial losses that force them to change various aspects of their lives.
Whenever a bus driver is responsible for a wreck, they have an obligation under Washington state law to provide fair compensation to all affected people. In addition, other parties such as an insurance company and the bus owner or company may share liability. A Tacoma bus accident lawyer could help you prove fault for a crash and collect the financial award needed to cover your losses. Reach out to one of the dedicated personal injury attorneys at our firm today.
Common Reasons for Bus Crashes
Bus drivers have the same obligation as all other motorists to operate their vehicles according to the rules of the road and with appropriate caution. This means that they must follow the applicable traffic laws and keep their attention on their surroundings. Failures in either area could make a bus driver legally liable for a collision.
A seasoned Tacoma bus accident attorney could be extremely beneficial in helping prove the bus driver was at fault in a particular case. They could take the lead in gathering the necessary evidence to uncover responsibility for a collision. This may include:
- Police reports
- The outcome of traffic court cases
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
A lawyer could also help to protect a case against allegations of shared blame. The Revised Code of Washington § 4.22.005 states that courts must evaluate the actions of all parties involved in an accident and assign the appropriate blame. A bus driver may allege that another motorist’s failure to yield or sudden stop was the cause of a crash, which could reduce or even eliminate the compensation available for victims. Retaining an accomplished legal professional on a case could minimize the impact of this potentially significant statute.
Seeking Fair Payments from all Liable Parties
The law is clear in stating that a party who is liable for an accident through their negligence must provide all appropriate payments to those who suffer losses. This includes covering the costs of all needed medical care, reimbursing injured individuals for all lost income, and even making payments to cover a person’s reduction in their quality of life. A diligent Tacoma bus collision lawyer is prepared to measure the impact of a crash and to demand that all responsible parties pay their fair share.
This means that a case may demand compensation from multiple defendants. Of course, the bus driver is certainly responsible for their own actions. However, an insurance company could also be liable for a person’s losses. In addition, the bus driver’s employer is also likely to share blame. This is because of the concept of law called respondeat superior, which states that an employer is jointly responsible for the actions of their employees while on the job. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible allows them to gather evidence to hold all negligent parties accountable for their actions in a claim.
Contact a Tacoma Bus Accident Attorney Today
Being involved in a bus crash has the potential to impact every aspect of your present and future. Even if you receive emergency medical care, the physical injuries that result may require extensive rehabilitation or could even be permanent. In addition, these wrecks can devastate your ability to enjoy life or earn a living to support your family. Whether you were riding in another vehicle or were a passenger on the bus itself, you have the right to demand compensation for your losses.
A skilled Tacoma bus accident lawyer at our firm is prepared to help you file a claim to seek comprehensive damages from all responsible parties. They could fully investigate the incident, determine how the crash has affected your life, and demand the fair payments that you need to get your future back on track. Call now to speak with a committed attorney.
