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Can I Sue the City if I Was Hit by a City Bus?

Posted in Uncategorized on Monday, September 30, 2024.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a city bus, you have the right to take legal action against the city. However, suing a city or government entity is different from suing a private individual or business. It is important to know how the process works and the specific steps you need to follow. Our bus accident lawyers are ready to guide you through the legal process.

Understanding Sovereign Immunity

Cities and government entities are often protected by a legal concept called sovereign immunity. This means that, in many cases, they cannot be sued unless they allow it. Pennsylvania has exceptions to this rule, especially when it comes to accidents involving public transportation. However, these exceptions come with specific procedures and limitations that must be followed.

Filing a Claim Against the City

If a city bus accident was caused by negligence—like if the driver was reckless, violated traffic laws, or if the bus was poorly maintained—you may have grounds to sue. However, the process is more complicated than dealing with a regular car accident.

Before you can sue the city, you need to file a notice of claim. This is a document that informs the city or municipality of your intent to take legal action and provides details about the crash and your injuries. In Pennsylvania, a person has six months to file this notice, but the deadlines can vary depending on the local municipality.

If your claim is denied or not resolved, you can move forward with filing a formal lawsuit. The deadlines for suing government entities are usually much shorter than those for private individuals. It is important to act quickly and understand these time limits for your specific location.

Proving Negligence for a Bus Crash

To win a case against the city, you need to prove the bus driver or the city was specifically negligent. This could look like showing the driver was careless, did not follow traffic laws, or that the bus was not properly maintained. Evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and even maintenance records are key in proving negligence occurred.

In addition to showing negligence, you also need to prove this negligence directly caused your injuries. This could require detailed medical records or even expert testimony to connect your injuries to the accident.

Consulting with an Attorney

Suing a city or municipality is complicated, especially when it comes to dealing with public transportation like buses. That is why it is a good idea to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. We can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and make sure you meet all the important deadlines.

Contact us at Soloff & Zervanos to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney. We can help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.