A city bus that causes an accident can result in a devastating and overwhelming experience.
You might wonder if you have any legal recourse against the city for your injuries and damages.
The answer is yes. You can sue the city if you were hit by a city bus. However, you need a lawyer to consider several factors before taking legal action against the city.
At The Flood Law Firm, we empower accident survivors with the knowledge needed to confidently pursue a personal injury lawsuit with the help of our Connecticut bus accident lawyers.
This guide will highlight the considerations and steps involved in suing the city for a bus accident in Connecticut.
What Causes City Bus Accidents in Connecticut?
The cause of any motor vehicle accident is typically negligent, reckless, or careless behavior, including but not limited to:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, grooming)
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failure to comply with traffic laws and signals
- Poor maintenance of the bus itself
- Inadequate training for bus drivers
- Intoxicated or impaired driving
- Adverse weather conditions
However, city buses have additional factors that can contribute to accidents, such as:
- The large size and weight of the bus make it difficult to maneuver on busy streets
- Frequent stops and starts along a designated route
- The high number of passengers on board that can lead to distractions for the driver
These causes have one common outcome—harm to innocent pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other vehicles near a bus.
Fortunately, injured parties have recourse in seeking compensation for damages.
How Is a City Bus Different From Another Vehicle in a Personal Injury Claim?
In a typical accident involving privately owned vehicles, the at-fault party and/or their insurance company is responsible for paying for damages caused by their negligent actions.
You can recover compensation for injuries and losses through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
This process isn't without its stresses, as it requires evidence of liability and the extent of incurred damages.
However, a city bus collision differs slightly due to the involvement of a government entity as the at-fault party. In Connecticut, municipalities have protection under the state's doctrine of sovereign immunity.
This means that the same criteria used in a typical personal injury claim don't apply when dealing with the city as an at-fault party.
Additionally, you must follow certain procedures and deadlines to successfully sue the city for an accident.
Dealing with catastrophic injuries or the loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligence makes navigating this incredibly stressful process.
As such, you must consult a bus accident attorney in Connecticut to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Do You Sue the City After a Bus Accident in Connecticut?
To sue any Connecticut city after a municipal bus accident, drivers must follow a strict set of procedures, including but not limited to:
- Notice of Claim: A formal claim must be filed with the city's risk manager or designated representative within 90 days of the accident.
- Statute of Limitations: After filing a notice of claim, injured parties have one year from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the city.
- Court Filings: The lawsuit must be filed in the proper court with jurisdiction over claims against government entities.
- Burden of Proof: In addition to proving negligence on behalf of the city, you must also prove that their actions were a direct cause of your injuries and damages.
- Pre-Trial Settlement: Before going to trial, the city may offer a settlement to avoid further legal proceedings.
- Trial: If the case goes to trial, both sides will present their arguments and evidence before a judge or jury, who will ultimately decide on the outcome.
Though easy enough to understand, suing the city is a complicated and often drawn-out process. An experienced attorney can make all the difference in successfully navigating this legal system.
How Much Is a Bus Accident Worth in Connecticut?
The total settlement award will ultimately depend on the specific details of the accident and the extent of damages incurred.
Factors that may affect the value of a claim include:
- The severity of injuries sustained
- Cost of medical treatment and ongoing care
- Lost wages and potential loss of future earnings
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement
- Emotional distress or pain and suffering
- Whether or not there was any evidence of gross negligence on behalf of the city
While Connecticut does not cap damages in these personal injury lawsuits brought against a city, the claims commissioner will determine payment approval as follows:
- The Claims Commissioner may grant immediate approval if damages don’t reach $7,500.
- If the amount of damages exceeds $7,500, the Claims Commissioner must submit a written report recommending approval to the state legislature for consideration.
Regardless of the claim amount, you must seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney who can help you gather the necessary evidence and navigate the legal proceedings to ensure fair compensation for your losses.
What Injuries Do Bus Accidents Cause?
The complexities of these accidents aren't just limited to the legal proceedings involving compensation for damages.
As a result, many forgo seeking legal help when they suffer injuries in a city bus collision.
Failure to seek proper medical treatment and follow-up care can result in long-term health complications and, worse, incredible medical bills.
Compensatory injuries sustained in bus accidents include but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
In extreme cases, these accidents can also result in fatalities. In these instances, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the city for their loss.
What Should You Do After a City Bus Accident?
Call a lawyer.
After seeking medical attention and speaking with the police, your first step should be to contact a personal injury attorney in Connecticut. They will be able to guide you through the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Gather evidence.
As with any personal injury claim, you need evidence.
Your attorney can take photos of the scene, get contact information from witnesses, obtain a copy of the police report, gather surveillance footage, and uncover the bus's maintenance records.
Document injuries and expenses.
Keep track of all medical treatments received, medications prescribed, and any related expenses. This will help determine the amount of compensation you may recover.
Avoid statements of fault.
You may need to provide a statement at numerous points throughout the claims process. Avoid accepting or admitting fault in any way, as this can harm your case and decrease the potential settlement amount.
Limit social media use about the accident.
Insurance companies and the city's legal team may use your social media posts as evidence against you. Avoid posting about the accident or discussing it online until your case is resolved.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Sue the City After a Bus Accident?
Legal professionals understand the complex laws and processes of suing a city for a bus accident.
They can:
- Identify parties you can hold liable for your injuries. Due to the complex immunity rules cities have in Connecticut, some parties may be exempt from liability. However, a Lawyer can identify which city or municipal entities or individuals you can hold accountable for your injuries.
- Gather evidence and build a strong case. This includes obtaining any necessary documents, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to determine the full extent of your damages.
- Negotiate with the city's legal team or insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Lawyers are experienced negotiators and can advocate for the approval of your claim. This can help avoid the long, drawn-out process that a lawsuit may entail.
Beyond providing experienced legal acumen, an attorney can be your ally throughout the entire claims process, offering guidance and support during this difficult time.
With their help, you can focus on your recovery while they fight for the compensation you deserve.
City Bus Accident FAQs
What types of accidents can a bus cause?
City buses, like any other vehicle on the road, can be involved in a variety of accidents. These may include collisions with other vehicles, pedestrian or bicyclist accidents, and even slip-and-falls within the bus itself.
Can I sue the city if I was hit by a bus while riding my bike?
Yes, you can potentially sue the city for damages sustained in such an accident. However, seeking legal guidance to determine the best course of action is essential, as these cases can often be complex.
If I slipped and fell on a city bus due to poor maintenance, who could I hold responsible for my injuries?
You may hold the city or municipal entity responsible for the bus liable for your injuries. However, consult a lawyer to determine the specific parties involved in your case.
How will sovereign immunity affect my case?
Sovereign immunity, which grants the government protection from lawsuits, can affect your case significantly. Exceptions apply to this rule, so hire an experienced lawyer to navigate these complexities on your behalf.
How long do I have to file a claim against the city for a bus accident?
In Connecticut, personal injury claims against a municipality or government agency have a shorter statute of limitations than those involving private individuals or entities. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible to determine the specific timeline for your case.
Injured in a Connecticut City Bus Accident? Contact The Flood Law Firm for Award-Winning Legal Support
Just because a city bus accident involves a government entity does not mean that you are not entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Our Connecticut personal injury lawyers at The Flood Law Firm have provided exceptional legal representation to accident survivors in Connecticut for over a decade.
With our comprehensive and compassionate legal approach, injured parties can focus on their recovery while we handle the legal complexities of their case.
Contact us now for a free consultation and see how we can fight for your right to maximum compensation after a city bus accident.
