Bus crashes can cause serious injuries and long term consequences. Sometimes responsibility lies not only with the driver or the transit company but with the city or other government entities. Knowing when a city may be liable is essential to protecting your rights after a crash.
How the City’s Liability Can Arise
A city or municipality can be responsible for a bus accident under several conditions, including:
- Failing to properly hire or train bus drivers so that they drive safely
- Letting maintenance lapse on buses, which can cause mechanical breakdowns or failures on the road
- Failing to maintain public infrastructure such as leaving potholes or unsafe road surfaces unrepaired or neglecting broken signals, signage, or traffic lights
- Not having or enforcing adequate safety policies for city operated buses or transit services
Challenges of Bringing a Claim Against a City
Pursuing a claim against a government entity has special hurdles:
- The time to give notice of your claim is often very short, sometimes days or weeks under state law
- You must follow precise procedures when filing your claim; missing a required step or deadline can lead to your case being dismissed
- There may be limits on how much money you can recover from a government body, known as statutory caps on damages
What You May Recover
If the city is found liable, you could be entitled to compensation for harms such as:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or diminished ability to earn in the future
- Physical pain, emotional suffering, and trauma
Why Having a Skilled Attorney Matters
Government entities often hire experienced legal teams whose goal is to reduce liability and avoid large payouts. Without capable legal representation:
- Your claim may be undervalued
- Important evidence might go uncollected or be handled improperly
- You might miss deadlines or legal procedures that could hurt your recovery
At Hillstone Law, we understand how to navigate governmental claims. We can help you compile the necessary evidence, meet all legal requirements, and press for a fair settlement or judgment.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident involving a city owned or operated vehicle, reach out to Hillstone Law for a free case evaluation. We will explain your rights, review your options, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
