Buses, by their very nature, tend to operate in areas with high foot traffic. Pedestrians often approach buses or cross the road near local bus stops. Bus drivers must balance the need to monitor the conduct of passengers with the need to monitor their surroundings. It is easy for those operating large buses and dealing with multiple sources of distraction to overlook sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as a pedestrian rushing out into the road. There are also large blind spots and longer stopping distances in play that may contribute to the chances of a crash.
Regardless of the cause of a crash, the consequences can be serious. When buses strike pedestrians, the person hit may sustain major injuries. Who is typically liable for the losses pedestrians stain after getting hit by a bus?
A bus authority is often liable
It is easy to understand why people assume that the bus driver is directly liable for any injuries and related expenses pedestrians incur due to a crash. Especially in cases where they did something illegal or negligent, blaming them for the crash may seem reasonable.
However, many bus drivers may lack the personal resources necessary to compensate injured pedestrians. Additionally, liability rules often pass responsibility to their employers. School transit companies and local transportation authorities may be liable for collisions caused by in-service buses.
When drivers employed by a company cause crashes, vicarious liability for the collision usually passes to the employer. Commercial insurance may be available, and litigation against the business could also help compensate the injured pedestrian.
The process of seeking compensation after a bus strikes a pedestrian can be lengthy and complicated. Working with a personal injury lawyer may make it easier for injured pedestrians and their family members to pursue economic justice after a crash caused by a bus accordingly.
