A bus accident can leave you with serious injuries and a sense of uncertainty about what you should do next. Collisions involving public transportation in Oklahoma or privately owned buses are complex events with multiple parties involved, and the aftermath can be difficult to navigate. If you believe your accident was the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another party, you may benefit from learning more about how civil claims work after bus accidents.
It is possible you have grounds to pursue compensation from the liable party after a bus accident. Identifying liable parties is the first step of this process, but it is not always simple to determine exactly what happened or who may be to blame for what happened to you. These types of claims are time-sensitive, and your quick action can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
Who owns the bus?
If you believe you have grounds for a civil claim, the first step is to determine whether the bus belongs to a local government or a private company. In cases involving a privately owned bus, the process for your lawsuit will follow the same process as typical personal injury cases involving negligence. If a local government entity owns the bus, the claims process will be different, and possibly faster. You will likely have to follow specific procedural steps in order to file your claim.
For accidents involving a government-owned bus, there could be a cap on the number of damages available to you. It can be difficult to get the full amount of compensation to which you could have a rightful claim. Knowing your rights and what your claim is worth is important for your efforts in fighting for damages covering your property damage, lost wages, medical bills and more.
The best way forward
After a serious accident involving a bus, you may be unsure of how you can pick up the pieces and move forward. While it can be a daunting prospect to sue a bus company or a local government entity, it could be a practical way to get what you need to address your post-accident needs. It may be helpful to start with an understanding of your legal options and the rights you have as a personal injury victim.
