Pittsburgh
Bus Accident Lawyer

Were You Involved in a Bus Accident in Pittsburgh?

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit and collect compensation for your damages. While you could try to manage this on your own, we recommend getting help from a bus accident lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA. An attorney can help you navigate the complicated process and recover the full value of your claim.

Pittsburgh bus accident cases are more complex than a typical car crash claim for a number of reasons. The potential severity of the injuries and the number of people who can suffer injuries at once make it harder to get the money you deserve. In addition, there are other challenges associated with these cases because the liable party is often a government agency.

At Berger and Green, we know what it takes to win a bus accident case. We can explain the applicable laws and ensure you meet every deadline. We can often help our clients recover more than they would get on their own. Call us today at 412-661-1400 for a free case evaluation.

What Damages Are Available After a Pittsburgh Bus Driver Causes a Crash?

If you suffered injuries in a bus accident, you may be able to file a claim based on your own medical benefits coverage to pay for some of your medical bills. We can also file a claim against the bus company to recover additional damages if the bus driver caused the crash. These damages include:

• Any remaining medical bills;
• Lost wages;
• Property damage;
• Related out-of-pocket costs; and
• Pain and suffering, in some cases.

Pennsylvania, like other states, has laws in place to protect government agencies from lawsuits. These laws also limit the payout in cases where a lawsuit is possible. While we can pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the Port Authority of Allegheny County, local school districts, and other public agencies that operate buses in and around Pittsburgh, there are limits to how much we can recover in damages.

Under state law, we generally cannot recover more than $250,000 per person or $1 million per accident when the liable party is a government agency. However, we will fight to compensate you for the full value of your damages through any legal means.

Who Is Liable for My Injuries?

In Pennsylvania, common carrier laws outline the rules bus drivers and bus operators must follow. These laws hold the drivers and their employers to high standards and when they break a traffic law or common carrier rule, they may be liable for any injury that results. Because of the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the company or agency that operates the bus is legally responsible for compensating victims if a negligent driver caused the crash.

Most bus accidents are preventable, but the driver fails to prevent them. They are driving distracted, whether it is because of their cell phone, by passengers, or simply are not paying attention. They are in a rush to stay on schedule and are not as careful as they should be. They make what seems like a minor error and the situation gets out of hand.

Sometimes, drivers are too fatigued to be on the road. Lack of sleep lowers alertness levels and slows reaction time. This can be a major problem if you are behind the wheel of a large bus and need to stop quickly. While there are laws that regulate how long drivers can remain behind the wheel, not everyone follows them.

Sometimes, a bus driver just acts in a careless or reckless manner and breaks traffic laws, causing an accident. When we discuss your case, we can help you understand if the bus driver acted with negligence and if the bus company is liable for your accident damages.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Get the Money I Need?

There is no reason to try to manage your claim on your own. This is especially true if the accident involved a Port Authority bus or a school bus. These accidents are unique and complex and there may be multiple claims you need to file. Let us handle your case while you focus on healing from your injuries.

Our lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve after any of the following:

• Port Authority of Allegheny County bus accidents;
• School bus accidents;
• Greyhound or Megabus crashes;
• Tour bus incidents;
• Accidents involving the transportation of elderly or disabled passengers;
• Any accident that occurred due to a negligent bus driver;
• Bus passenger injuries;
• Car-versus-bus collisions;
• Bus-versus-pedestrian or cyclist injuries; and
• Bus rollovers.

If you enlist our help with your case, we can ensure we follow the proper procedures to notify the agency or company about your claim and file everything before any applicable deadlines. We will fully investigate your accident and injuries, building a solid case for the full value of compensation due to you. We will work with the insurance company, attorneys, or other parties on your behalf, fighting for the full payout you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to Act?

Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, meaning you generally have two years from the date of an accident to file suit. When it comes to bus accidents, though, things are not as straightforward.

Many companies that provide bus transportation are government agencies. As such, the process of recovering compensation from them is different. They have very limited time periods when you can notify them of your accident and file an insurance claim. You must complete this step before you pursue a personal injury lawsuit. You may have only a few months from the date of the accident to act.

For this reason, we recommend you call us as soon as possible so we can begin collecting evidence to support your claim.

Talk to a Bus Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh About Your Case.

At Berger and Green, we understand the complexities of bus accident cases. We can explain common carrier laws and sovereign immunity doctrine and how these may affect your payout. We will file your claim, meet all necessary deadlines, and fight for the maximum payout possible.

Contact us today at 412-661-1400 for your free case evaluation.