Bus crash claims are governed by a complicated patchwork of rules that change depending on whether the bus involved is privately owned, school-operated, or part of a government-run transit system. If you were hurt in a bus collision, our seasoned personal injury attorneys at Burnett Injury Group offer legal representation throughout the claims process. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with an Annapolis bus accident lawyer.
Individuals involved in bus wrecks typically experience a wide range of injuries, including:
In the aftermath of a wreck, you may be facing mounting medical bills and an intense recovery, requiring you to miss work for an extended period of time. An attorney from our firm could help you file a compensation claim and negotiate with insurers and the at-fault party on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing.
Compensation may include coverage for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages often cover medical expenses, lost wages and lost future earning capacity, and property damage. In contrast, non-economic damages address intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of mobility, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Bus crash lawsuits often involve both tort law for negligence and statutes relating to government liability. Lawsuits involving private buses can be filed like any other motor vehicle claim. However, the Maryland Tort Claims Act applies to cases involving a bus owned or operated by a state or local agency. In cases involving state ownership, written notice of a lawsuit must be provided to the State Treasurer within one year of the incident. However, if the bus was owned and operated by a local agency, notice must be given to the local government or its designee within one year of injury.
For those injured in an accident involving a public carrier, such as the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), procedural compliance is mandatory. Failing to provide a timely notice or omitting necessary facts in the written notice can result in your lawsuit’s dismissal. During an initial consultation, a lawyer from our Annapolis firm will examine the circumstances of your bus accident to determine what legislation may affect your compensation claim.
In addition to state or location notice requirements that are often around one year, the three-year statute of limitations applies under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5–101. However, when suing a government agency, additional procedural barriers exist that private lawsuits do not require. For example, injured passengers must contend with potential damage caps and sovereign immunity defenses. Our Annapolis attorneys ensure that all requirements are upheld when filing a bus accident injury claim and will explain these policies in greater detail during your initial consultation.
Lawsuits involving private charter buses, such as those operated for tourism or school trips, typically involve more traditional negligence principles. Charter companies can be held liable for the actions of their drivers if the driver was working when the crash occurred.
At Burnett Injury Group, our Annapolis-based lawyers’ experience in holding companies accountable in motor vehicle lawsuits is particularly relevant to cases involving charter bus collisions. By collecting evidence to demonstrate negligence, our attorneys determine liability and pursue financial recovery on behalf of our injured clients.
Federal regulations require interstate bus carriers to hold a minimum liability coverage of $5 million when transporting more than 15 passengers. However, complexities arise when multiple individuals are injured and the total damages exceed policy limits.
Many bus wrecks involve injury to multiple passengers, with overlapping medical bills and missed wages. In such a case, a lawsuit is often the next step to receiving compensation, making it essential to seek legal advice from an attorney about how to proceed after your Annapolis bus wreck.
Bus accident lawsuits can proceed slowly, especially when public entities are involved. For private carriers, pre-litigation settlement discussions often take months, assuming liability is clear and medical treatment for injuries is complete. In contrast, lawsuits involving the MTA or other government operators usually take longer due to initial notice requirements, immunities, and added procedural difficulties. Our Annapolis lawyers will keep you informed on the progress of your bus crash claim and prevent you from settling too early for less compensation than you deserve.
Burnett Injury Group brings focused litigation strategies and a deep understanding of state transportation law to every case. Our attorneys have recovered millions in motor vehicle and wrongful death lawsuits, and we ensure that the compensation our clients receive helps them move forward following a crash that has upended their lives. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with an Annapolis bus accident lawyer.