Riding the bus is a common and often necessary mode of transportation for many people. However, bus stops can present unique dangers to passengers and bystanders if proper care is not taken by the bus driver. If you have suffered injuries in a bus stop accident, whether as a passenger or bystander, determining who is liable can be complicated. This article will examine liability issues in bus stop accident injury claims.
Duties Owed by the Bus Driver
Bus drivers owe a duty of care to their passengers. They must operate the bus safely and avoid negligent driving. This includes properly maneuvering in and out of bus stops, following traffic laws, and watching for pedestrians. If a driver fails to take reasonable precautions and injures a passenger at a bus stop, they may be liable.
Drivers also owe a duty to bystanders waiting at bus stops. They must keep a proper lookout when pulling in and out of bus stops and make sure they do not hit anyone standing on the sidewalk or curb. Failing to check mirrors or watch for pedestrians before moving the bus could make the driver negligent if a bystander is struck.
Liability of the Transit Company
In addition to suing the bus driver, victims can also make a claim against the transit company that operates the bus. The company may be liable under a theory of vicarious liability, as the driver was working within the scope of employment when the accident happened.
The transit company also has its own duty to properly train and supervise drivers to prevent negligent accidents at bus stops. If their training or hiring practices were substandard, they could share liability. The company may also be liable for failing to create safe boarding areas, mark stops clearly, or take other safety precautions.
Comparative Negligence of the Victim
Bus stop injury claims are often complicated by issues of comparative negligence. If the injured passenger or bystander was also negligent in some way, it could reduce their ability to recover damages or even bar a claim entirely.
For example, a passenger who tries to board a bus before it has fully stopped could be partly at fault for falling. A bystander standing too close to the curb or distracted by their phone might also be deemed negligent. The passenger or bystander’s negligence would not get the driver or transit company entirely off the hook but could reduce damages based on state comparative negligence laws.
Proving Liability in Your Bus Stop Injury Claim
To determine liability and secure full compensation, thorough evidence gathering is key. This can include:
- Accident reports – Police and any reports created by the transit company.
- Bus driver background – Disciplinary records, training history, and credentials.
- Bus maintenance records – Documentation of inspections, repairs, and reported issues.
- Video evidence – From cameras on the bus, at the stop, or nearby security footage.
- Photographs – Pictures of the scene, damage, and injuries.
- Witness statements – From other passengers, bystanders, or passersby.
With an experienced attorney’s help, victims can evaluate all evidence of negligence by the driver, transit company, and their own comparative negligence in order to seek maximum damages in a bus stop injury claim.
Seek Legal Counsel if You Have Been Injured at a Bus Stop
Being injured as a passenger boarding a bus or as a bystander waiting at a bus stop can lead to significant medical bills, lost income, and other costs. Florida law allows accident victims to recover compensation when negligence causes their injuries, but determining liability can be complex. An attorney experienced in bus stop injury claims can help you understand your rights and build the strongest case possible against all negligent parties.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an accident at a bus stop, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today to discuss your situation in a free consultation. We are committed to helping victims recover the maximum compensation they deserve.
Visit one of our offices at:
- Tampa – 2504 W Crest Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
- Petersburg – 520 2nd Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- New Port Richey – 5703 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Brooksville – 1790 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601
- Seminole – 5290 Seminole Blvd. Suite D, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 800-4300.