Bus accidents in Colorado – Call Denver Bus Accident Lawyer for Help!

An increasing number of people rely on buses for transportation as metropolitan areas, such as Denver and Colorado Springs, continue to grow larger. While bus transportation is statistically safer than traveling via passenger vehicles, accidents sometimes occur. When people are involved in bus accidents, they may suffer severe injuries or be killed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 300 fatal bus collisions happen each year, and an average of 24,000 people are injured. If you have been seriously injured in a bus crash, an experienced Denver bus accident lawyer might help you to recover the maximum amount possible in your claim.

Common carriers and their duty of care

While all drivers owe a duty of care to others traveling on the roadways around them, buses are classified as common carriers, which means that the bus drivers owe a higher duty of care to their passengers. A common carrier is a public utility, individual or private company that regularly transports people or freight. Under Colorado law, a common carrier owes passengers a higher duty of care than do ordinary vehicles. Despite this duty, some bus drivers are inadequately trained or do not drive safely, and accidents result. When bus passengers, other motorists and pedestrians are injured in crashes caused by buses, it is important for them to get legal help from an experienced denver bus accident lawyer.

Governmental entities as defendants in Colorado bus accidents

Buses may be privately owned or owned by municipalities and other public entities. In Colorado, the Regional Transportation District owns and operates many buses in the Denver metropolitan area. When government entities own the buses that are involved in collisions, certain steps must be taken when filing a lawsuit against them. Under Colorado Revised Statute 24-10-109, governmental entities must be promptly notified about any potential claim that people might have against them. Under the statute, the notification must be made in writing, comply with the statutory notice requirements and be provided to the governmental entity within 180 days of the accident. The notice that is provided must include the following:

• The claimant’s name and address as well as his or her attorney’s name and address
• Statement of the facts, including the circumstances, date, place and time of the accident
• The address and name of any public employee who was involved if they are known
• A description of the type of injury and its extent that was suffered
• The amount of damages being sought

It is vital that the notice complies with the requirements that are outlined in the statute. If the notice is deficient or one is not provided within the required time frame, you may automatically lose your claim. Claims involving governmental entities may also be limited to a maximum recovery of $150,000 in personal injury claims.

Other potentially liable parties in Colorado bus accident cases

In addition to governmental entities, several other parties may be liable in bus accident cases. A denver bus accident lawyer may analyze what occurred to identify all of the parties who should be named as defendants in the lawsuit. Parties that may be liable besides governmental entities include the following:

• The bus driver
• Drivers of other vehicles
• The bus equipment manufacturer
• The bus line owner or operator

Determining liability can be a complex process necessitating the help of an attorney who has experience with representing injured bus crash victims. When claims involve multiple defendants, there may be more sources of recovery that the lawyer can reach for his or her client.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, it is important that you move quickly. If the accident involved a governmental entity, the statute of limitations for the required notice is very short. Contact an experienced denver bus accident attorney today to schedule your consultation so that you can learn about your potential rights to recovery.