Bus accidents often involve a large number of injured passengers, and because of the vehicle’s lack of safety features like seatbelts, it is not uncommon for many of those injuries to be life threatening. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 4,000 buses and large trucks were involved in fatal collisions in 2015.

When there are dozens of accident victims, the investigations that follow are usually lengthy and complicated. If you wait for officials to determine liability so you can file an injury claim, you may be waiting a while.

A back injury lawyer, on the other hand, can interview witnesses on your behalf and assess evidence from the scene so you know who is responsible for your damages. If you were injured in a bus accident and you want to pursue compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.

Since our founding in 1997, we have been providing compassionate yet aggressive legal representation to the injured. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free case evaluation with an Albuquerque bus accident attorney.

Who Can I Sue after a Bus Accident?

If you want to file a personal injury claim following a bus accident, you need to determine whom to name as a defendant first. The liable party or parties will ultimately depend on the circumstances of the crash that caused your injuries. Possible liable parties include:

• The bus driver;
• The city of Albuquerque;
• The county of Bernalillo;
• The state of New Mexico;
• The bus manufacturer; or
• If another vehicle (not the bus) caused the crash, then that driver would most likely be liable.

The bus driver may be liable if the accident occurred as the result of drowsy, drunk, or distracted driving. Reckless driving, like speeding or unnecessary swerving, can also be grounds for a claim against the bus driver.

Accident victims may be able to hold the city liable if the crash might not have occurred had officials done something differently. For example, if officials failed to arrange for regular vehicular maintenance and the collision was the result of malfunctioning brakes, the city could be responsible.

If you want to sue the city, state, or county for your injuries, it is important to remember that you have much less time to file a claim. In the state of New Mexico, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years; however, if you are suing the local or state government, you must typically submit written notice of your claim within 90 days of the incident. You then have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.

In some scenarios, multiple parties may be liable for the collision. This could complicate your case but it might also work in your favor. When there are multiple defendants, you are more likely to recover the full amount of damages that you incurred because their combined coverage limits are higher.

If you were injured in a bus accident and you want to file a claim against the liable party, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with a back injury lawyer in Albuquerque. You can learn more about bus accident claims in New Mexico by visiting USAttorneys.com.