Liability in Walterboro bus accident cases can range from driver negligence to the bus company breaching its standard of care, or issues of faulty manufacturing. Regardless of the cause, however, seeking the compensation you deserve is vital to your recovery. An experienced public transport crash attorney from Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could help you.
Driver Negligence
Buses are large vehicles that are far more challenging to operate than the cars we drive. Bus operators are professional drivers who must hold a commercial driver’s license, possess the necessary experience, and work to stricter safety standards.
Like other types of traffic accidents in Walterboro, bus drivers could be liable for crashes if they breach the standard of care required in their role. When bus drivers are negligent, they make our roads far more dangerous for everyone. Breaches of a bus driver’s standard of care include:
- Impaired driving, for which the law has a much lower tolerance in commercial drivers
- Fatigue, which is a specific type of impairment
- Excessive speed, which makes accidents more likely and increases the risk of fatality
- Aggressive behavior, which poses a danger to all road users
- Distracted driving, whereby something diverts the bus driver’s attention from navigating the road safely
- Failure to follow the rules of the road, such as yielding the legal right-of-way
Negligence on the Part of the Bus Company
The bus company bears a significant responsibility towards the safety of its passengers and others on the road. Each of the following could lead to the bus company being held directly responsible for a crash:
- Failing to hire safe, experienced, and licensed bus drivers
- Requiring their drivers to work too many hours
- Failing to maintain their bus fleet in good working order
- Directing their drivers to disregard safety requirements in an effort to increase profits
- Failing to implement the regular safety checks that are required for safe operations
Each of these actions represents a serious breach of duty that may leave a bus driver and their employer responsible for the harm caused in a Walterboro crash.
Many bus accident claims in Walterboro may involve both the driver and the bus company as liable parties. Even if the driver is directly at fault, claims are usually handled through the bus company’s insurance provider. However, when the accident involves a public bus, the process is different. In South Carolina, you would typically bring your claim against a government agency, and these cases are governed by S.C. Code § 15-78-10 et seq., which imposes strict procedures, notice requirements, and limits on the damages you may recover.
How Might Faulty Manufacturing Cause Crashes?
Sometimes, liability or partial liability lies with the bus manufacturer or with a manufacturer of a specific part. This form of liability has three basic categories.
Faulty Design
This means that the bus or the specific part in question has a faulty or inherently dangerous design.
Fault in Manufacture
Problems can also arise during the manufacturing process. While the design itself may be fit for purpose, any inconsistency or flaw during the manufacturing process could lead to safety issues.
Inadequate Warning or Instruction
Manufacturers are required to provide the instructions and warnings necessary to operate their products, including buses and bus parts, safely. When they fail to do so, courts could hold them responsible for ensuing losses.
Walterboro roadway defects can also contribute to traffic collisions, and your attorney could explain how liability works in such cases.
Protect Your Rights by Bringing a Strong Claim
If you were injured in a bus accident in Walterboro, the following steps can help you bring a strong claim that protects your rights and compensation. First, seek immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, which benefits both you and your claim. Work closely with a lawyer from the start. Allow your attorney to represent you and skillfully negotiate on your behalf.
Call a Walterboro Bus Wreck Lawyer Today For Help Establishing Accountability
Liability in Walterboro bus accident cases is a complex legal matter that experienced bus accident attorneys are well-equipped to handle. The respected bus accident lawyers at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda have experience guiding even the most complex claims toward optimal outcomes, and we welcome the opportunity to help you achieve the same. For more information, do not delay: contact us online or call our firm today.
