Many laws are currently in place to ensure the public’s safety when riding coaches and buses. This also explains the huge decline of bus-related deaths and accidents over the last few years. But even then, more than 4,500 people died or were injured in 2012 alone.
When you are out in the streets or riding any kind of transport, such as a bus, the risks are already there. After all, accidents can happen when you least expect them. However, if they did happen because of somebody else’s fault, you can start thinking about filing for compensation.
Who Is Liable?
One of the most important questions a solicitor will ask you during the course of evaluating your case is, who is responsible for the accident? All cases must have third party who shall be liable in paying for the damages or the claim. It turns out many different parties can be charged with bus accident compensation:
Bus Company: They are liable if they have been particularly negligent in the care and maintenance of the bus or the coach. For example, the seatbelt may have turned out to be faulty when being used. Thus, when the bus came to a sudden stop, you could have fallen off the seat and broke your arm for instance. They can also be responsible if they have intimate knowledge of the driver’s bad habits or erring ways.
Driver: You can also personally file a claim against the driver especially when the bus company has taken all the measures to guarantee your safety. For example, he may have lied about his professional experience so he can get the job. As a result of his incompetence, you suffered from an injury.
Local Council or Other Authority: Since this claim covers for anything that involves a bus, it is possible to file a claim against the local council or any government authority that should have been responsible for, perhaps, well-paved roads or proper signs to indicate that the streets are still under maintenance.
Another Vehicle: Did someone try to suddenly take the bus’s line that causes the latter to go on to perform an emergency stop? That person may be held liable for the accident even if you incurred the injury while riding the bus.
Do You Have To Be On The Bus?
In fact, you do not have to be IN the bus before you can file for bus accident compensation. You could be a pedestrian, a biker, or a driver of another vehicle when you are rammed or hit by the bus.
Although it is not mandatory as you can choose to represent your own case in court, it’s helpful when you are working with a solicitor. This individual has the expertise and the knowledge to guide you through the intricate process and dramatically increase your chances of winning. He can also advise you if the case has merit or it’s valid. This is especially important to avoid spending unnecessarily on a case that doesn’t have any possibility of winning in the first place.
Limitation Period
In general, you have within 3 years from the date of the accident to file compensation.
