Many different types of buses make their way through Baltimore daily—school buses, Maryland Transit Authority (MTA), tour buses, intercity buses, and more. Each one follows transit rules to help them flow with traffic safely. However, should they become involved in an accident, each carries a different set of rules when filing a lawsuit for a personal injury claim, making it somewhat confusing when looking for compensation due to negligence.
You might find that hiring a Baltimore bus accident lawyer offers just what you need to maneuver your case successfully. They can explain your rights while building your case for the compensation you deserve for your losses. Filing claims against government agencies and insurance companies can seem intimidating, but Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help.
Contact us today at (800) 921-7227 for a free consultation. We do not back away from tough cases. Our team is committed to each one, and our contingency fee plan means you do not pay any attorney’s fees unless you recover an award.
How a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Baltimore Proceeds
A bus accident lawsuit in Baltimore involves a lot of factors. Were you on the bus when the accident took place? Were you struck by the bus as a pedestrian, or were you occupying another automobile? What type of bus was it—school, MTA, or commercial? You should consider all these aspects when determining negligence and filing your lawsuit.
Some common causes of bus accidents include:
- Poor maintenance
- Safety hazards and lack of safety equipment
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Unqualified driver
- Inclement weather
- Other drivers causing the accident
- Aggressive driving
Time Limit for Filing a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Baltimore
Because MTA is a government entity, you must file a formal written claim within a year of the incident per Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ) §7-702 when filing a claim against it. The agency then has six months to respond. If MTA accepts your claim, you will work with its insurance adjuster to settle your case. However, if it denies your claim, you must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident.
A similar process follows bus accidents involving school buses for public school districts and other municipal bus companies. A Baltimore bus accident attorney can help you navigate your case.
In personal injury suits against private bus companies, you have three years to file from the date of the accident per GCJ §5-101 or date of death in a wrongful death claim per GCJ §3-904.
Gathering Evidence for Your Baltimore Bus Accident Case
To win your lawsuit, you will need to build a strong case. Maryland is a contributory negligence state, meaning to be eligible for compensation, you must have no responsibility for the accident. Maryland is also an “at-fault” state, meaning whoever the authorities find as the negligent party must pay for all damages.
Here are some essential things to consider when gathering evidence:
- If you suffered injuries as a bus passenger and are capable, get pictures of the bus section where you were hurt.
- If you were in a car, photos of the scene and damages could tell a lot about the accident.
- Gather witness testimony of the incident.
- Gather bus camera footage. It can be crucial when proving what exactly happened. Most buses have onboard cameras.
- Collect camera footage if available from CitiWatch. This program works with local businesses and residents to use footage from their security cameras to help in these situations.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Baltimore, call 800-921-7227
How a Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Suing a bus company or government entity for one of their employees’ negligence is not easy and has strict guidelines. You might want to make contacting a Baltimore bus accident lawyer one of the first steps you take in protecting yourself against counterclaims and missing deadlines.
An attorney uses their knowledge and experience to negotiate your claims and ensure you file it before the deadline hits. Many times, the at-fault party’s representative readies the lowest possible offer or fights to dismiss the case altogether.
When you contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, you get a team of legal professionals working your case. Call us today to get started. The consultation is free, and you do not pay anything unless you receive an award.
Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-921-7227
Limits on Damages You Might Receive After a Baltimore Bus Accident
You could receive economic and non-economic damages for personal injury claims. However, GCJ §11-108 places limits on noneconomic damages in most cases. Every year, the cap for noneconomic damages increases by $15,000.
Damages you might receive include:
- Loss of wages
- Medical costs
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
Click to contact our Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers today
Contact a Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer Office Today
The various buses found on Charm City streets operate under different laws. Injury victims could bring more entities into a claim, the statutes of limitations vary, and dealing with all these factors while you heal from your crash-related injuries might overwhelm you. A Baltimore bus accident lawyer could manage your lawsuit, giving you the time that you need to heal.
Do not limit your compensation by limiting yourself. Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you. We have won millions of dollars in personal injury claims for our clients. We can advocate for the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand our clients’ needs and fight to make sure you receive fair treatment, whether from the government or an insurance company.
Contact our team today at (800) 921-7227 for a free consultation. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get started. We stand ready to help, and you will not pay anything unless you recover an award for your injuries and losses.
Call or text 800-921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
