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Bus and RTD Accident Lawyers

Bus and lightrail accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities. Understanding the causes and consequences of these accidents is crucial in preventing them and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

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Colorado RTD Injury Claim Table of Contents


Understanding Colorado RTD Accidents

RTD stands for ā€œRapid Transit Districtā€, and runs public transit assets like buses and our great lightrail system. Every year, thousands of Americans are injured or killed in bus and lightrail accidents. In 2010, almost 13,000 buses were involved in accidents. Nationwide, 226 people died and the number of injuries was even higher. It is estimated that 12,000 injuries are sustained annually by children on school buses alone and sadly, around 11 children die each year from a bus accident. When you add almost 59 miles of light rail track to the picture the possibility of getting injured on an RTD vehicle in Colorado is high.

Passengers Who Are Injured Riding Colorado's RTD Need an Expert Injury Attorney

Every year, 360 million individuals travel by bus. There are 30,000 commercial buses on our roads alone. Every day, there are an estimated 450,000 school buses on the road.

Denver lightrail station from above

As a common carrier, bus drivers have a legal duty of care. When you are injured in a bus accident, you have a right to seek compensation and justice. Colorado bus accidents, particularly in the Denver area, often involve serious consequences and complex legal timelines. Having legal counsel is crucial to navigate personal injury claims after such incidents. When you come to Anderson Hemmat you can count on us to devote a 100% of our resources to your case. We will begin by conducting a thorough investigation. We will check to see if:

  • The driver was licensed and trained properly

  • Whether all laws were followed (Did the driver work for too many hours? Was the bus overloaded?)

  • If drugs/alcohol were involved

  • If the insurance company and employer are fulfilling all of their necessary responsibilities

  • If the bus was properly maintained

  • If the driver adjusted his speed to take into account the weather condition

  • If the driver was distracted by his/her phone or other technological devices

There are many differences between public and private buses. Keep in mind that if a commercial bus company was involved, investigators and attorneys will jump on the case and seek to minimize liability at your expense.

Proving the negligence of the bus driver is a crucial element of your case and we can help you turn over every stone. The first step you should take is to file a report with the necessary authorities. Next, you should hire a competent bus accident attorney who can obtain information from everyone involved. When you secure the assistance of our team at Anderson Hemmat we will take pictures of the accident and of your injuries and make sure you secure copies of your medical records.

Causes and Consequences of RTD Bus or Lightrail Accidents

Bus accidents can occur due to various reasons, including:

  • Driver Error: Bus drivers may be responsible for accidents due to reckless driving, failure to follow traffic laws, or failure to maintain the bus.

  • Mechanical Failure: Poor maintenance of the bus can lead to mechanical failure, resulting in an accident.

  • Weather Conditions: Inclement weather, such as snow or rain, can make road conditions hazardous, increasing the risk of a bus accident.

  • Other Factors: Other factors, such as road conditions, pedestrian or cyclist error, or animal-related accidents, can also contribute to bus accidents.

The consequences of bus accidents can be severe, including:

  • Serious Injuries: Bus accidents can result in serious injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.

  • Fatalities: In some cases, bus accidents can be fatal, resulting in the loss of life.

  • Emotional Trauma: Bus accidents can also cause emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Colorado RTD Accident Injury Claim FAQā€™s

If you are injured in an RTD accident, seek medical attention immediately. Report the accident to RTD, document the scene with photos if possible, gather witness information, and consult a personal injury attorney to understand your rights.

Liability depends on the circumstances of the accident. RTD may be responsible if the driver was negligent, but other parties, such as another driver, a manufacturer, or a city agency responsible for road maintenance, could also be liable.

In Colorado, claims against government entities like RTD must be filed within 182 days (about six months) under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Failing to file within this time frame may prevent you from seeking compensation.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, government claims have damage caps, so consulting an attorney is crucial to understanding your potential recovery.

While you are not required to have a lawyer, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, meet deadlines, and maximize your compensation, especially since government claims have strict procedures and limitations.

Drunk Bus Driving Accident Injury Claims

In commuting by bus, you expect a safe and reliable method of transportation to get you where you need to go. The last thing you should have to worry about is a bus driver who is driving under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, this does happen, and though bus transportation companies have strict rules prohibiting their drivers from driving while drunk, alcohol-related bus accidents occur with higher-than-expected frequency.

These accidents can often be very serious, even fatal, as buses lack basic safety equipment like seat belts, and the injuries sustained can be extensive. Broken bones, spinal cord damage, brain trauma, coma, or even death can be inflicted in a collision. If you have been injured in a drunk driving bus accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the parties responsible. It is vital you contact a Denver personal injury attorney who can inform you of your rights and possibly help you acquire what you are owed.

Lawyers for your Drunk Bus Driver Accident Case

It is entirely the responsibility of the bus transportation company to compensate you for your pain and suffering in a drunk driving bus accident. Unfortunately, the insurance company or legal team representing them will often try and foist a lower settlement amount on you, as that is in the best interest of their client. This may not be enough to cover your medical expenses and lost wages, and that is why it is important to have an experienced attorney representing you in your case against them. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help ensure that you seek the full compensation you deserve, and having legal counsel can facilitate the lawsuit process to meet all necessary requirements.

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At Anderson Hemmat, we fight aggressively to obtain maximum compensation for our clients after they have experienced a bus, lite rail, or Colorado RTD accident. We may be able to do the same for you so that you can move on from your difficult experience with financial security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

If you have suffered an injury in a drunk driving bus accident, Contact a Denver Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer, who may be able to assist you in your case.

Proving Liability in an RTD Bus or Lightrail Accident

Proving liability in an RTD bus accident can be complex, as it involves determining who is responsible for the accident. The following parties may be liable:

  • RTD: As the owner and operator of the bus, RTD may be liable for accidents caused by driver error, mechanical failure, or other factors.

  • Bus Driver: The bus driver may be liable for accidents caused by reckless driving or failure to follow traffic laws.

  • Other Parties: Other parties, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers, may also be liable for accidents caused by their actions.

To prove liability, it is essential to gather evidence, including:

  • Witness statements

  • Accident reports

  • Medical records

  • Photographs and videos of the accident scene

  • Expert testimony

Denver Injury Accident Attorneys Demanding Accountability

Our attorneys understand that the owners of the bus company and the drivers they employ have a fundamental responsibility for the children they transport. Filing claims against RTD, a government agency, introduces complexities due to special rules and different time limits compared to typical personal injury claims. We can investigate to determine if they have followed the state laws regarding school buses along with any training for the drivers and maintenance procedures.

Our firm will help you prepare and file your school bus accident claim and will aggressively pursue the fair and reasonable compensation deserved for the financial costs as well as the pain and suffering your child has endured. To schedule an appointment call our office today. We offer a free consultation to assist you in determining how to proceed with your claim. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident and you donā€™t know where to turn for help, Contact a Denver bus accident lawyer from our firm without delay.

Colorado RTD Accident Statistics and Prevention

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), bus accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities. In Colorado, there were 1,444 bus accidents in 2020, resulting in 234 injuries and 12 fatalities.

To prevent bus accidents, RTD has implemented various safety measures, including:

  • Regular maintenance of buses

  • Driver training programs

  • Drug and alcohol testing for bus drivers

  • Installation of safety features, such as cameras and GPS tracking devices

Additionally, passengers can take steps to stay safe while riding RTD buses, including:

  • Following safety instructions provided by the bus driver

  • Keeping seatbelts fastened

  • Avoiding distractions while riding

  • Reporting any safety concerns to RTD

By understanding the causes and consequences of bus accidents, as well as the measures in place to prevent them, we can work towards reducing the number of bus accidents and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Use Your Phone After an Accident (Video)

Chad Hemmat - Use Your Phone After an Accident

Anderson Hemmat: The Personal Injury Team You Want on Your Side!

Whether head trauma, fractures, or a wrongful death took place, we will help you or your family maximize the compensation owed to you. At our firm, we have been recognized by Super Lawyers, we are also AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and have been named among the ā€œTop 100 Trial Lawyersā€ by the American Trial Lawyers Association.

For the compassionate and aggressive legal assistance you need on your side, contact us today! We are proud to provide services in both English and Spanish.

Additional Colorado RTD Accident Injury Case Information

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About Our Law Firm

Anderson Hemmat, LLC is a personal injury law firm with locations in and around Denver, Colorado, handling all personal injury cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall, premises liability and more. Our award-winning Denver injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for accident victims. If you were injured in Denver, contact our law firm today, we offer a free initial consultation.