Arkansas Bus Accident
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, car accident deaths cost Arkansas residents an estimated $683 million each year. These figures don’t even begin to account for the number of people who are injured in crashes each year. Bus accidents are among the more devastating kinds of wrecks because of the weight of these vehicles. Bus accidents can also be more serious because many people might be injured in just one accident, putting a strain on insurance liability limits. Even a single-vehicle bus crash can be devastating for all involved.
Car accident deaths are often caused by negligent drivers who fail to practice safety when out on the roadway. Like cars, buses also contribute to the number of accidents that occur on the roads. When a person is injured as a passenger on a bus, or even as a pedestrian who is crossing the street, a variety of stakeholders may be responsible for the crash. For example, the government may be responsible if public buses are not properly maintained. Bus drivers may be held accountable if they fail to follow the rules of the road. If the bus is private or a charter, the company that owns the bus and hires the driver may also be accountable.
Most buses are owned by the government which means certain laws apply to these types of cases. Under A.C.A. § 21-9-303, government drivers or government employees who cause damage in a car or bus accident are protected from lawsuits. Sovereign immunity laws protect the state of Arkansas from being sued directly for victims’ injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. However, victims are entitled to seek damages up to the minimum insurance coverage requirements under the law. All government entities are required to carry proper coverage. Government entities who operate motor vehicles, for example, must carry minimum liability insurance. In Arkansas, under A.C.A. § 27-22-104, coverage includes up to $50,000 liability for bodily injury when two or more people are hurt. Buses may be required to carry even higher insurance policies.
The CAT is the most commonly used form of public transportation in Arkansas. While this bus system is run by the government, the CAT system may sometimes use outside vendors and contractors to maintain vehicles or supply equipment. In some cases, improper maintenance, faulty equipment, or other significant failures can result in a bus accident. If this is the case, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit against the independent supplier, who may not be protected by Arkansas sovereign immunity laws.
Bus accident claims in Arkansas can be complicated. If you have become a victim of a bus-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether the bus driver displayed carelessness or the crash was caused by a third-party driver, you may be entitled to seek damages under the law. However, you may only have a limited time to seek compensation and may be required to follow specific procedures given sovereign immunity. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a bus accident attorney in Arkansas today.
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