Great Falls Bus Accident Lawyer

Trusted Bus Accident Attorney in Great Falls, MT

Passengers can be injured when a bus crashes into another vehicle or object. However, they can also be hurt when the vehicle comes to a sudden stop or otherwise causes a passenger to collide with the interior of the bus. A Great Falls bus accident lawyer can help determine how the crash happened, who may be liable, and what laws apply to a claim for injury.

Buses carry students, commuters, tourists, and others through Great Falls and Cascade County every day. Transit buses owned by Great Falls Transit travel throughout the city. School buses and private carriers also regularly travel routes like 10th Avenue South, U.S. Highway 87, and Interstate 15.

Personal Injury Experience in Montana

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we have represented injured Montanans for more than three decades. Our firm handles personal injury claims involving car wrecks, commercial vehicles and trucking accidents, serious injury cases, and wrongful death claims. We aim to settle or litigate your claim if necessary.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Often, the reasons behind a bus crash are identical to those that cause other vehicle accidents. Traffic volume is one issue that may be present around Great Falls. According to NHTSA, between 2015 and 2024, 119 people, 49 drivers, and 70 passengers were killed in school transportation vehicles.

It’s often necessary to review the events leading up to a crash in order to determine what caused a bus accident. The bus driver may be at fault. However, the bus’s mechanical issues or another driver’s negligence could have also contributed to the accident. Some common causes of bus accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving while intoxicated
• Unsafe turns
• Driving while fatigued
• Other drivers
• Mechanical issues
• Inclement weather
• Dangerous road conditions

A mechanical malfunction does not automatically mean that the driver was responsible for causing the crash. Maintenance records and vehicle inspection reports can indicate whether the bus broke down because the driver failed to have required repairs completed or a component suddenly failed.

Montana Bus Accident Laws

There are several Montana laws that may apply to bus transportation and bus accident claims. Montana Code section 69-11-105 governs agreements related to common carriers transporting people. Under Montana law, common carriers are prohibited from attempting to waive responsibility for their gross negligence, fraud, or willful wrongdoing.

Under MCA § 39-4-102, Montana also limits the number of hours bus drivers and bus attendants can work. Statutes strictly limit the on-duty hours for motor bus drivers and attendants, and companies or individuals must adhere to these regulations. There are exceptions to this rule, but the law also makes these entities liable for injuries caused by violating this part of the law.

There could also be federal safety regulations that apply to your case. These laws vary depending on the size and passenger capacity of the bus and whether the carrier conducts business in interstate commerce.

Liability in a Bus Accident

Part of determining who is at fault for a bus accident involves identifying who owns the bus and who was operating it. A claim against a private charter company may involve different issues than one against a municipality that provides public transportation or a school district that transports students.

The driver may be liable. However, responsibility could also fall on the bus company itself, a maintenance contractor, a careless driver, or even the maker of faulty bus components or equipment.

If a public school or government agency operated the bus, additional issues may affect your case. There are specific procedures to file a claim against the government. Determining who owned and operated the bus early on can facilitate the filing of your bus accident claim in a timely manner.

Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer With Experience in Great Falls

You may want to hire a bus accident lawyer to investigate your accident. An attorney can identify who owns the bus, who was operating it, and whether any workers were on the bus at the time of the crash.

After determining who may be liable for causing your injuries, your attorney can calculate economic and non-economic damages you have suffered. If a fair settlement is not offered, your Great Falls bus accident attorney can file a civil claim.

FAQs

What Happens if You Get Into an Accident With a Bus?

If you get into an accident with a bus, you may be able to seek compensation from the liable party. The claims process can vary depending on who was employed to operate the bus. Private company bus accidents may offer different avenues of compensation than city buses or other government entities. Medical treatment, photo documentation of the accident, and determining who owns the bus can be important factors in your claim.

How Much Do You Get Paid if You Get Hit by a City Bus?

The amount you might get paid if you get hit by a city bus varies depending on the circumstances of the accident. Some factors include: the seriousness of your injuries, how much your medical bills add up to, any income you’ve lost, lasting disabilities, and other losses you’ve endured. You may also be able to file a claim against a government entity if they contributed to the accident, but there are special restrictions in doing so.

Is the City Liable if a Bus Hits Someone?

Sometimes the city can be liable if a bus hits someone. If a city employee causes a bus accident through negligence while acting within the scope of employment, the city can be liable. The law generally makes governments liable for their torts and those of their employees who are acting within the scope of employment. There are exceptions to this rule, but a city can still be found liable if negligence caused damages in the accident.

Can You File a Claim Against a Bus Driver for Crashing?

You may be able to file a claim against a bus driver for crashing. If a bus driver was employed by a company and was transporting passengers at the time of the crash, you may be able to file a claim against the owner of the vehicle. Government employees have different rules applied to them. Montana statutes could offer immunity to a public bus driver engaged in their professional duties, making their government employer the liable party.

Get the Answers You Need Regarding Your Great Falls Bus Accident

If you were injured in a bus accident, Bliven Law Firm, P.C., can help you seek compensation for your damages. Contact us for a consultation.

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