Bus Accidents Attorneys

Wilkes-Barre, Sugarloaf and Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be held liable for my bus accident injuries?

People or companies that may be determined to be liable for your bus accident injuries may include:

• Bus driver
• Bus manufacturer who may be liable for defective products
• Bus operating company
• Bus owner
• Other vehicle drivers involved in a crash with your bus

If the bus is owned or operated by a governmental agency, special rules must be followed to recover damages.

What does it mean that a bus is a common carrier?

A common carrier is a particular category of vehicle that provides transportation services to the public in return for compensation. These are vehicles such as:

• Airplanes
• Busses
• Ferries
• Taxicabs
• Trains

Such common carries are governed by strict Pennsylvania state regulations. Therefore, the laws to which they are subject are different than those of regular passenger vehicles. As a common carrier, the bus owner/operator has a high duty of care to you as a passenger. Thats why you need an experienced bus accident attorney firm such as The Falvello Law Firm to help you with a case involving a bus accident.

Are bus drivers held to higher standards since they are professional drivers?

Yes, because bus drivers are common carrier operators and drive for a living, they are held to a higher standard of care when it comes to their passengers. For this reason, you dont have to show that the bus accident was their fault. You just have to show that they could have avoided the accident if they were living up to the higher standard of a professional driver.

What are some things I can do to prevent a bus accident from happening?

Actions you can take that may keep you safer and reduce bus accidents include:

• Always use the handrails to enter and exit the bus in case you slip and fall
• Be alert and aware of other vehicles and traffic around you to protect yourself in case other drivers dont obey the laws or dont see you
• Wait for the bus at the designated bus stop instead of in the street
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before entering or exiting the bus
• When exiting the bus, walk at least ten steps away from the bus right away so the driver can see where you are

If you have been involved in a bus accident, please contact The Falvello Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation. The Falvello Law Firm serves clients in Hazleton, Sugarloaf, Wilkes-Barre, Berwick, and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.