If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident in Edmond, you may be eligible to receive compensation. The Edmond personal injury attorneys at Warhawk Legal can help.
Senior partner Joe S. Carson founded Warhawk Legal to make a difference in the lives of Edmond residents. We are proud to offer your case compassionate, individualized attention and guarantee that we will never charge you or your family unless we win.
Get in touch with our Edmond accident attorneys and book a free no-obligation case review by calling (405) 397-1717 or contacting us online today.
What You Need To Know About Buses In Edmond
In Edmond, three main forms of buses can impact who is liable for your bus accident:
- Citylink is a fee-free bus service with six major routes throughout the city. The RATP Dev operates Citylink.
- Edmond Public School buses that serve the Edmond Public School district.
- Chartered buses that are paid for by private citizens.
What’s The Difference Between Public And Private Buses? How Does It Affect Liability?
There are differences in the methods used to determine liability in bus accidents between privately managed and publicly run buses. The former has a less complicated process because there are no additional legal procedures involving government agencies.
Here’s who could be held liable in a private bus accident.
Bus Parts Manufacturers
These companies could be liable for the accident if a malfunctioning or poorly built component caused the incident.
The Driver
Legal action may be taken against the driver if they operate the bus carelessly or recklessly.
The Bus Company
Vicarious responsibility or failure to maintain are the two basic grounds for the bus company to be held liable.
If the driver carried out official duties when the accident occurred, vicarious liability – a legal doctrine holding employers accountable for their workers’ actions – might be relevant. This also applies in cases when an employee’s activities cause harm to others.
Statute Of Limitations For Edmond Bus Accidents
If the bus is privately operated, then all of the above third parties are subject to the standard statute of limitations found under 76 OK Stat § 5.5 (2022), which states, “any claim filed herein shall be filed within two (2) years of the date of injury, death or damage to property.”
However, there is an added layer of complexity for public buses regarding liability in the form of a further time constraint.
If you are filing against “the state or a political subdivision” as explained by 51 OK Stat § 156 (2022) (the Governmental Tort Claims Act), you only have one year to file a claim. The statute states, “A claim against the state or a political subdivision shall be forever barred unless notice thereof is presented within one (1) year after the loss occurs.”
Therefore, time is of the essence to file against either the city of Edmond or Edmond Public Schools. Here is a guide prepared by the City of Edmond on bringing a claim against the city.
Warhawk Legal Is Here For Edmond Bus Accident Victims
With our track record of excellence, you can rest assured that you can count on us in your time of need. Call us at (405) 397-1717 or book your appointment online today.