A Macon County auto accident lawyer can explain the differences between bus accident claims and other type of automotive accidents.

Unique Issues

The question of liability is more complex in bus cases than is a two-person auto accident. The bus driver may be at fault. Another driver may be at fault. If the latter is true, it may be easier for you to collect a settlement for medical expenses and lost income. However, if the bus driver is at fault, the case is usually more complex. Many bus operations are operated by state or local governments. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that school buses are involved in the largest portion of bus fatalities at 37 percent of the cases. Filing a claim against a governmental entity may be more complicated. If the insurance claim is denied, Mattoon auto accident attorneys may help file a notice of a claim with the governmental entity that the plaintiff believes is responsible for the accident.

Notice of Claims with the Government

The procedures that a plaintiff must follow to provide proper notice of a claim is based on state or city law. The notice must generally state that the plaintiff is making a claim against the particular body of government. It must also state the location, time and date of the incident. It should describe the facts surrounding the incident and properly identify the plaintiff.

Time Limits

Claims against governmental entities are often more restrictive on time limits than for private defendants. The plaintiff may have only 180 days to file a claim. These time limits must be strictly followed or the plaintiff can wind up losing his or her right to file such a claim.

Legal Assistance

If you would like more information on bus injury cases, contact a Macon County auto accident lawyer from McCarthy Rowden & Baker.