At Jeffress Law in Boulder, attorney Christopher W. Jeffress draws on experience representing both insurance companies and injured individuals. Since 1994, he has limited his practice to helping people pursue compensation from insurers and other responsible parties.
This blog explains who might be liable in a public bus accident case, how fault is investigated, and why affected passengers should act quickly.
Can the Bus Driver Be Responsible?
Negligence may contribute to an accident when a bus driver:
- Speeds or follows another vehicle too closely
- Runs a red light or disregards a traffic sign
- Drives while distracted, tired, or impaired
- Brakes, accelerates, or turns unsafely
- Fails to account for road or weather conditions
When a public employee causes a crash while performing job duties, the transit agency may be a central party in the claim. Whether certain parties will be named depends on factors like the driver’s employment status, conduct, and applicable governmental immunity rules.
When Is the Public Transit Agency Liable?
A public transit agency may be held responsible when an employee negligently operates an agency-owned or leased bus while performing job duties. The likelihood that the entity can be sued relies on the facts and requirements of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
Government entities generally receive legal protections under this law. However, it also includes circumstances in which immunity might be waived, such as certain injuries arising from the operation of a public motor vehicle.
Could Another Party Share Fault?
Not every public bus accident is caused solely by the bus operator. Other potentially liable parties include:
- A motorist who struck or cut off the bus
- A company that handles bus inspections or repairs
- A parts manufacturer if a defective component failed
- A government entity responsible for legally qualifying roadway hazards
- A private contractor operating transportation services
Why Is the 182-Day Notice Deadline Important?
Claims against a public agency follow stricter procedures than ordinary injury cases. Under C.R.S. § 24-10-109, a person generally must provide written Notice of Claim involving a public entity or employee within 182 days after discovering the harm. The notice must include specific information about the incident, the injuries, and the damages.
Call Jeffress Law About Your Colorado Bus Accident
Determining liability after a public transit bus accident requires a close review of the crash and the agencies or companies involved. Call Jeffress Law in Boulder, CO, at 303-993-8685 to arrange a case review and learn about your options for pursuing compensation. We serve clients in the Boulder, Loveland, Longmont, and Fort Collins areas.
