If you were injured in a bus accident in Maryland, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Unfortunately, bus accidents can be incredibly complex, as they may involve public transportation agencies, private transportation companies, mandatory government notice, and multiple parties facing liability. If you were hurt in one, you will need to retain the services of a skilled and dedicated Prince George’s County bus accident lawyer today. We are on your side.
What Causes Bus Accidents in Maryland?
There are a number of different causes of bus accidents in Lanham, Glenn Dale, Hyattsville, and the surrounding Prince George’s County communities. In some cases, inclement weather conditions or poor road conditions can result in serious accidents. However, in most instances, bus accidents are a direct result of driver negligence. In some cases, negligence can be on the part of a bus driver, and other times, it can be on the part of other drivers on the road.
Bus accidents may occur for a number of reasons, and determining the cause is a critical part of seeking compensation following a bus collision. In Maryland, these accidents often involve local transit systems, school buses, commuter buses, and other public or private transportation providers.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
- Sudden stops and starts
- Unsafely releasing passengers
- Failing to account for large blind spots before merging/changing lanes
- Failing to use the brakes on time
- Driving while fatigued, under the influence, or distracted
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic lights/signs
- Inadequate bus maintenance
- Mechanical failures
- Unsafe road conditions
- Lack of proper driver training
- Negligent motorists on the roadway
Who May Be Responsible for a Bus Accident
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liability can fall on:
- The bus driver
- The bus company
- A government transit authority
- A parts manufacturer, if a defective part causes the collision
- Another negligent driver involved in the crash
What Should I Do After a Prince George’s County Bus Accident?
If a bus crashes, there is a very high likelihood that multiple passengers will face serious injuries. As such, taking the correct steps is critical, not only for your legal claim but to protect your health and well-being.
Important Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
- Call 911 to report the crash and request police and medical assistance at the scene
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel okay or injuries seem minor
- Gather contact information from passengers and witnesses
- Take photos and videos of the scene, including:
- The damage to all vehicles involves
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals
- Skid marks or other road markings
- Weather conditions
- Your visible injuries
- Keep organized copies of your medical records and bills
- Keep a log of lost wages and other related expenses
- Do not discuss fault with insurance companies before connecting with an experienced Prince George’s County bus accident attorney
Information That May Be Helpful to Gather
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- The bus route number
- Name of the bus company or transit authority
- Where you were traveling to and from
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Bus Accidents?
Unfortunately, due to their nature, bus accidents often result in multiple passengers suffering serious injuries. Because many passengers are standing or moving while the bus is traveling, injuries can be catastrophic.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
What Is a Notice of Claim?
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Maryland is generally three years; this is not the case when an accident occurs on property owned by a municipality or government or involves a public transportation entity.
Understanding Maryland Notice Requirements
If a bus is operated by a government entity, special notice requirements may apply before a lawsuit can proceed. Important considerations include:
- Many claims against government entities require a formal Notice of Claim
- Notice deadlines may be significantly shorter than the standard personal injury statute of limitations, which is three years
- Missing a required deadline can bar you from recovering compensation
- The specific deadlines and requirements ultimately depend on the government agency involved
This notice requirement applies to bus accident claims and ultimately depends on the specific public entity involved. As Maryland law contains different notice provisions for state and local government claims, injured individuals should seek legal guidance to ensure they do not miss any deadlines.
Contact Our Firm
At McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P., our legal team understands how devastating it can be to suffer injuries from a bus accident in Lenham, Glenn Dale, or anywhere in Prince George’s County. If you need a Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer that handles cases in Maryland, Washington D.C., or Virginia, our firm has the resources and knowledge needed to take a case as far as necessary, including to the U.S. Supreme Court. If you suffered an injury or loss because of another person’s negligence, contact us today.
