Des Moines Bus Accident Attorneys
A bus crash can leave you facing serious injuries, lost income and uncertainty about what comes next. A claim can become more complicated when a public transit agency, school district, commercial carrier or other party may be involved.
At Carter Law Offices, P.C., we investigate the full picture and prepare each case carefully. If you were injured, a Des Moines bus accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Common Causes Of Bus Crashes
Bus crashes can have many causes and can injure passengers, pedestrians and people in other vehicles. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Taking attention from the road can cause a driver to miss vehicles, pedestrians or changing traffic.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can slow reaction times and affect judgment.
- Rollover crashes: Passengers may be thrown from their seats or struck inside the bus.
- Lack of passenger seatbelts: Missing or faulty restraints may increase the risk of passenger injuries.
- Collisions with other vehicles: A crash can injure bus passengers and people in other vehicles.
- Pedestrian collisions: A driver who fails to see or yield to a pedestrian can cause serious injuries.
Understanding how the crash happened can help identify potentially responsible parties, including the driver, bus company, government entity or maintenance contractor.
DART And School Bus Claims Have Special Requirements
If a Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) bus or school bus caused your injuries, special rules may apply because a government entity may be involved. These rules can affect how and when you pursue a claim.
For municipal claims, Iowa law generally requires a lawsuit within two years of the injury. Claims against the state of Iowa may follow a different process under the Iowa Tort Claims Act, including written claim requirements and additional steps before a lawsuit can proceed.
Important issues include:
- Who operates the bus: DART, a school district or another government entity
- Which law applies: Municipal and state claims can follow different rules
- Deadlines: Missing an applicable deadline can affect your claim
- Claim procedures: Some government claims require specific notices or administrative steps
- Other responsible parties: A contractor or maintenance company may also have a role
Carter Law Offices, P.C., can help determine which requirements apply and take action before important evidence is lost in your personal injury claim.
Commercial Bus Companies May Face Federal Safety Rules
Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and charter buses travel Iowa’s I-80 and I-35 corridors. Commercial carriers may have to follow federal safety rules covering driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle inspections and maintenance.
Driver fatigue can slow reaction times and affect judgment. Poor maintenance can also contribute to brake, tire or other equipment failures. After a crash, we can examine driver records, inspection reports, maintenance records and other evidence to determine whether a safety violation or equipment problem may have contributed.
Let Us Help You Even The Odds
Carter Law Offices, P.C., brings more than 25 years of courtroom experience to serious injury cases. We take time to know our clients and their families and prepare each case with the possibility of trial in mind.
Our Des Moines office is just blocks from the Polk County and federal courthouses. When a bus company, insurer or government entity stands between you and the compensation you seek, we are ready to help you understand your options.
Call 515-644-4871 or send us an email to schedule a consultation.