When we think of buses, we likely think of school buses or city buses. While these types of buses are used throughout Washington and other states across the nation, individuals might ride a bus for other reasons. As tourists, individuals might want to see go sight seeing. A tour bus is the best way to do this, as it is guided and ensures visitors will see specific destinations. While riding a bus seems relatively safe, some risks are present. This is especially true when a bus driver is not driving safely.
Buses are considered to be a common carrier. This means they are an entity that is in the business of transporting people or goods from one place to another for compensation. This does not just include tour buses. It also includes commercial buses, school buses, commercial airplanes, cruise ships, taxis and certain trucks. Common carriers have certain guidelines and expectations. A common carrier must exercise a high degree of care, as they are entrusted with the safety of its passengers.
Thus, when a bus accident does occur, a victim will likely prove that a bus driver or bus company did not exercise proper care. While it might seem simple, liability can actually be difficult to assess following a bus accident. It could have been the fault of another vehicle, the bus driver, the bus company or even the company that produced the bus or provided the maintenance on it. Therefore, when a tour bus passenger is injured because of a bus accident, they could file a civil action against the bus driver, the tour company, the bus company and even the destination or attractions where the bus traveled to.
Taking action following a bus accident not only helps answer questions you might have but also helps to protect your rights. This means seeking legal guidance about a civil action. A personal injury action could help hold the party or parties responsible for the harm caused to you. This can help in the collection of compensation, which could be used for medical bills, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, lost wages and other related losses.