Who Is Liable in a Maryland Bus Accident?

Bus drivers carry enormous responsibility in that they are trusted to safely transport dozens of people each time they get behind the wheel. Because of this weighty responsibility, bus drivers are classified as “commercial drivers” and must obtain a commercial driving license. And while the vast majority of bus drivers are well qualified and buses are usually relatively safe for passengers, Maryland bus accidents are not uncommon.

When it comes to determining potentially liable parties in a Maryland bus accident, the obvious place to start is with the driver. Bus drivers have a legal duty to safely operate the vehicle at all times. This duty extends not just to bus passengers, but also to other motorists on the road.

Most bus drivers work for a company, whether it be a coach business, tour company, or a government agency. In many cases, these organizations can also be liable for injuries caused by their bus drivers. Under a legal theory named vicarious liability, an injured motorist can seek to hold the employer of a negligent bus driver responsible for their injuries. The theory is premised on the idea that the employer should not be able to avoid liability when a negligent employee causes an accident while acting on behalf of his employer.

Church Bus Accident Kills Two

Earlier this month, a church bus carrying several adults and youth-group members was involved in a serious accident. According to a recent news report, the bus was traveling from Denver to Albuquerque when it crashed on Interstate 25. The driver of the bus was a priest in training. Thirteen others on board were seriously injured as a result of the accident, and five were still hospitalized days after the accident.

Authorities are in the middle of an investigation, and have not released many details. However, police told reporters that the driver of the bus might have suffered some kind of medical emergency immediately before the accident. Some of the surviving passengers told reporters that the deceased passenger noticed the driver seemed to be in distress and rushed to the front of the bus to keep it from veering off the road and into a gully. The man was able to avoid the ditch, potentially saving the lives of the other passengers, but could not prevent the bus from crashing.

Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bus Accident?

Recovering after a serious Maryland traffic accident is a lengthy process, and can be extremely frustrating. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland bus accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. At the Maryland bus accident law firm, Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, we have extensive experience handling all types of accident claims, including those involving buses, trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation based on the injuries you have sustained, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today. We will not bill you for our services unless we can help you get compensation for your injuries.