What is a bus company’s liability for injuries suffered by a passenger due to their negligence?

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What is a bus company’s liability for injuries suffered by a passenger due to their negligence?

On 4/13/11 I was ejected from my seat on the bus when driver slammed down on the breaks. This caused me to sprain my foot. The driver knew that I was injured when I got off the bus but all he could say was, “I’m sorry”. He offered no medica assistancel as I hobbled off the bus (almost falling) and sat down on the bench at the bus stop. I called the bus company to inform someone what happened. I spoke with a secretary who was supposed to call me back. I waited at the bus stop for 2 hours with no phone call. I informed her that I had no way to get home and I was injured and she offered no medical services either. Is the company responsible for my pain and suffering and are they responsible for paying my doctor’s bills?

Asked on April 14, 2011 under Personal Injury, Utah

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

You should contact the bus company's insurance carrier.  The bus company should provide this information. 

When you complete your medical treatment and are released by the doctor, obtain your medical bills, medical reports, and documentation of any wage loss.  The medical reports will document the nature and extent of your injury and will be used to determine the amount of compensation you receive for pain and suffering.  Compensation for pain and suffering is an amount in addition to the medical bills.  Compensation for the medical bills and wage loss is straight reimbursement.  The claim you file with the bus company's insurance carrier should include the medical bills, medical reports, and documentation of any wage loss.  If you are dissatisfied with settlement offers from the bus company, you can file a lawsuit for negligence against the bus company.  Unless the case is settled, you will need to file your lawsuit prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or you will lose your rights forever in the matter.


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