| Bus transportation is essential to many
Pennsylvania residents who rely on these motor vehicles for
travel to and from work. Unfortunately,
bus accidents happen all
too frequently, and because of the size and nature of a
commercial bus, the injuries can be severe. In 2005, there
were 1,160 bus accidents in
Pennsylvania that resulted in
injuries – 669 involving a commercial bus.
According to
Pennsylvania law, a bus, unlike other forms of
public transit, is considered a motor vehicle. A bus is held to
different legal standards than a private car. Like other “common
carriers,” the operator of a bus has a greater duty of safety to
its passengers than that of an average
passenger car driver. As
a result, victims of bus accidents may find it easier to make a
claim against the bus company than they would against motorists
in other types of accidents.
These legal differences often lead some to believe that bus
accident lawsuits are simple and don't require the help of an
experienced attorney. However, when an accident occurs involving
a commercial bus, there may be limits to the total financial
compensation available to victims who suffer injuries. In cases
involving the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Agency
(SEPTA), which governs bus and other forms of mass transit in
the region, damages are limited to $250,000 for one claim or
$1,000,000 total per accident. This means that if you and ten
others are injured in a bus accident, the damages could be split
among all the victims. If your injuries require extensive
treatment and create long-term financial concerns, your share of
those damages may not be enough.
An attorney with experience in
Pennsylvania bus accidents can
move quickly to ensure your claim is reviewed and your damage
claim is properly filed. A skilled lawyer can also examine your
case to determine if there are additional sources from which to
obtain the compensation you need. For instance, you may be able
to file a claim with your own insurance policy in addition to
the appropriate transportation agency.
Bus accident injuries can be serious – and their impact can
last long after the accident occurs. As a
Pennsylvania resident,
you should be able to depend on the safety of bus
transportation, and when that duty is breached, you have the
legal right to seek compensation for your injuries.
The Pennsylvania transportation injury lawyers at Munley,
Munley & Cartwright, P.C. have more than 40 years of experience
in handling accident cases. Our goal is to provide exceptional
legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest
standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights
through team work and the use of our considerable resources and
experience. Whether we’re gathering evidence, giving advice, or
talking with insurance companies, we are always your
representative.
We have offices conveniently located in
Stroudsburg,
Carbondale,
Hamlin,
Hazleton,
Scranton, and
Wilkes-Barre,
PA. If
you have been injured as a result of a
bus accident, please
contact us by e-mail or telephone 1-800-318-LAW1. For additional
information about our law firm, please visit
www.munley.com. |
