When traveling on a bus service like Greyhound, passengers do not expect that they will be involved in a serious car accident. Unfortunately, some Greyhound drivers may fail to act appropriately to ensure the safety of their passengers. When this happens, it is important to understand who a victim can hold liable for their injuries. If you or a family member was injured in a Greyhound bus crash, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia Greyhound bus crash lawyer today.
At the Reiff Law Firm, we are devoted to providing you with the legal representation you deserve to pursue Greyhound for an accident caused by a negligent driver. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Philadelphia, PA
Bus accidents can be caused by a number of circumstances. If you are involved in a bus accident, understanding the cause of the accident can help if you decide to file a legal claim against the company responsible for the accident. As bus drivers are operating these vehicles at the behest of their employers, their employers could be held liable when they commit a mistake that causes a passenger an injury.
The following is a list of common causes of bus accidents.
Inexperienced Bus Driver
Buses are large commercial vehicles that must be operated with care to avoid the possibility of hitting other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians. However, some bus drivers may not receive adequate training needed to operate these vehicles. As a result, an inexperienced driver could cause serious injuries to passengers or other motorists when making tight turns or trying to maneuver through traffic.
Speeding
Speeding in a vehicle like a bus endangers all the passengers on board. Not only could passengers be seriously injured if a bus collides with another vehicle at high speeds, but hitting debris or other objects in the road while speeding could jolt passengers and also result in injuries.
Drunk Driving
No bus driver should arrive at work while intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs. The use of alcohol can decrease a driver’s response times and awareness while driving. When a driver operates a bus while intoxicated, they risk the lives of passengers and other motorists on the road.
There are many other causes of bus accidents that are not listed above. If you were injured while riding on a Greyhound bus, you should speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
Determining Liability for Greyhound Bus Accidents
Liability for a Greyhound bus accident can be attributed to multiple parties. As Greyhound is a bus service that engages in the transporting of passengers, they are considered a common carrier. Common carriers are held to a high standard when it comes to the safety of passengers on their buses. This means that prevailing in a valid claim for injuries would be easier for the plaintiff under certain circumstances.
However, common carriers tend to rely on the jerk and jolt doctrine to combat bus injury claims. This doctrine essentially states that the bus company should not be liable for regular jolts and jerks that are common when riding a bus. For example, if a bus travels over a speed bump and a passenger is jostled and suffers an injury, the jerk and jolt doctrine may be used to combat their claim.
Gathering extensive evidence is necessary in order to defeat a common carrier using the jerk and jolt doctrine. Evidence like a video of reckless driving or a bus driver being intoxicated can help a victim prevail in their case.
Additionally, it is important to remember that a Greyhound bus accident is subject to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations determines the amount of time that a claimant has to file a lawsuit against a negligent party.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. If a claimant does not file their lawsuit within the allotted timeframe, the court will bar their claim. As a result, a claimant will have one less option to pursue compensation for their injuries. Do not delay in filing your case; our firm can help you explore your legal options.
Consult with an Experienced Philadelphia Greyhound Bus Crash Attorney Today
If you or a family member was a victim of a Greyhound bus accident, contact an experienced Philadelphia Greyhound bus crash attorney today. The devoted legal team at the Reiff Law Firm possess decades of combined legal experience, and we will use this knowledge to help you pursue a claim against the parties that caused your injuries. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
