Hartford Bus Accident Attorney
Buses move thousands of people through Hartford every day. City transit routes, school buses, charter coaches, and shuttle vans share the same crowded streets as passenger cars and pedestrians. When one of these vehicles is involved in a collision, the consequences are severe.
With Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante on your side, you gain the experience and resources to move forward after a serious bus crash. Our Hartford accident lawyers will identify every party responsible for putting that bus on the road, from the operator behind the wheel to the company or agency that employed them. If you were injured as a passenger, a pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle, call us at (860) 983-3333 for a free consultation.
How Our Hartford Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Crash
- Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante has the staff and resources to litigate against transit authorities, national bus lines, and their insurers. We are not afraid to take a case to trial when a settlement offer does not reflect what our client has lost.
- Our Hartford bus accident lawyers will act quickly to preserve critical evidence, sending preservation letters to secure onboard camera footage, electronic control module data, and dispatch logs.
- Bus accidents can disrupt your ability to work, drive, and care for your family. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis; you pay no upfront costs, and you only pay legal fees if we win your case.
Why Bus Accident Claims in Hartford Require Experienced Legal Counsel
Bus litigation combines transportation regulations, government claims procedures, and potentially serious injuries. A single crash can involve several defendants, each with different insurers and filing deadlines.
With a Hartford bus accident lawyer on your side, you have someone who can manage that complexity while you recover. Your attorney will determine who owned and operated the bus and which rules and deadlines govern a claim against them. They will also obtain the driver qualification files, operation records, and maintenance logs to show whether the operator or the company violated safety requirements before the crash.
Injuries Bus Passengers and Other Motorists Commonly Suffer
Bus passengers ride without seat belts, airbags, or crumple zones. In a collision, riders can be thrown into seat backs, windows, and one another. Standing passengers have nothing to hold them in place. Injuries in these crashes are frequently severe and may include:
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Rotator cuff tears
- Wrist and forearm fractures
- Hip fractures
- Knee injuries
- Ankle fractures
- Facial lacerations
- Dental injuries
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress
Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident: Drivers, Companies, or Government Entities?
Liability in a bus crash is rarely limited to one party. Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante will investigate the crash to determine which parties can be held accountable, including:
- The Bus Operator: Bus drivers are responsible for speed, following distance, mirror checks, and safely loading and unloading passengers. If they fail to meet that standard and someone is hurt, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries.
- The Transit Authority or Private Bus Company: Employers are responsible for employee conduct and for their own choices about hiring, training, supervision, and scheduling. When a company’s negligence leads to an accident, you can file a lawsuit against the entity directly.
- A Municipality or State Agency: Public entities that own, operate, or contract for bus service can be sued. These claims involve complex immunity doctrines and strict notice requirements, so it is important to work with a lawyer who understands these rules.
- Maintenance Contractors and Parts Manufacturers: Brake failures, tire separations, steering defects, and other equipment malfunctions can all lead to a bus accident. In these situations, the company that serviced the vehicle or manufactured the defective component may be liable.
- Other Motorists: A driver who cuts off a bus or runs a light can be the primary cause of a crash. Passengers may pursue legal action against that driver, the bus operator, or both.
Frequent Causes of Bus Crashes in Hartford, Connecticut
Most bus crashes are caused by negligence on the part of another party. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Operator fatigue
- Speeding
- Unsafe left turns
- Running red lights
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Improper lane changes
- Blind spot collisions
- Following too closely
- Abrupt or sudden braking
- Wet or icy roadways
- Poor visibility at stops
- Inadequate driver training
- Impaired driving
- Roadway defects and potholes
Notice Requirements and Time Limits for Connecticut Bus Accident Claims
Most bus injury lawsuits fall under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 and its two-year limitations period. This means you have two years from the date of the bus accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case no matter how clear the evidence is.
If a government agency operates the bus involved in your crash, your case is subject to a different and much shorter set of procedures. Claims involving municipal employees require written notice to the municipality within six months under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-465, and claims against the state that are not covered by another statute must be presented to the Office of the Claims Commissioner within one year under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-148.
Steps to Take After Being Hurt in a Hartford Bus Accident
Most people leave a bus crash unsure whether they are hurt. If you feel fine at the scene, you should not assume that you escaped injury. Accept emergency medical attention if it is offered, and see a doctor the same day if it is not.
You should also document as much as you can. Write down the route and the coach number if you can, along with anything you remember about where you were sitting or standing. Ask other riders for their contact information. Photograph the interior of the bus, your injuries, and the damage to the vehicle.
If someone from the bus company calls to ask how you are doing, do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer. Instead, contact a Hartford bus accident lawyer to handle those conversations and protect your claim.
Discuss Your Case with Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, P.C.
When a Hartford bus accident happens, Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante will move quickly to build your case and secure the compensation you need to recover. Call (860) 983-3333 or request a free consultation online to have your case reviewed at no cost.