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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
When you are facing a legal battle against a government entity or a large commercial insurance company, the firm you choose truly matters. firm-name provides dedicated representation for personal injury victims throughout Colorado, including those involved in Centennial bus accident claims governed by complex transit regulations. Our team handles the investigation, paperwork, and negotiations so you can focus on your health and recovery, while maintaining clear, consistent communication and aggressive advocacy designed to hold negligent parties accountable. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you, and our results speak for themselves, including a $1,500,000 motor vehicle accident settlement, an $800,000 motor vehicle accident settlement, and a $2,500,000 confidential settlement, backed by more than 300 five-star reviews from clients who trusted us to fight for fair treatment under the law.
Legal Representation for Bus Accident Victims in Centennial
Bus accidents differ from standard car accidents. Because buses are large, heavy vehicles, they often cause catastrophic injuries. Furthermore, multiple parties may share liability. The legal standards for “common carriers” are higher than those for private drivers. Our Centennial bus accident lawyers represent individuals in various situations, including:
- Bus Passengers: If you were injured while riding a bus due to a crash, sudden stop, or equipment failure.
- Other Motorists: If a bus struck your vehicle, causing injury or property damage.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: If a bus driver failed to yield or maintain a proper lookout, resulting in a collision.
Handling these claims requires an understanding of both state and federal transportation laws. We investigate every detail of the incident to build a strong foundation for your claim. Whether you need a Denver bus accident lawyer or representation in another Colorado city, our team has the expertise to handle complex transit liability cases.
Handling Liability and Government Claims
Many bus accidents in Centennial involve the Regional Transportation District (RTD) or local school districts. When a government entity is involved, the legal process changes. These cases fall under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA) (C.R.S. § 24-10-101 et seq.).
The CGIA provides certain protections to government agencies. It also outlines the procedures victims must follow to seek compensation. One of the most critical aspects of the CGIA is the notice requirement. You must file a formal notice of claim within a short timeframe. Specifically, you have 182 days from the date of the discovery of the injury (C.R.S. § 24-10-109). Failure to meet this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation.
Private charter buses and commercial motor coaches operate under different rules. These are primarily governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These companies must carry higher insurance limits. Often, this is up to $5 million for large passenger vehicles. They must also adhere to strict maintenance and driver hour-of-service logs. Our team knows how to handle both government and private commercial claims to protect your rights.
How We Evaluate and Build Your Centennial Bus Accident Claim
Building a successful bus accident claim requires evidence. Unlike a typical car crash, bus accidents often involve “black box” data. This records the bus’s speed, braking, and other data leading up to the impact.
We also examine:
- Driver Qualification Files: To see if the driver had a history of violations or lacked proper training.
- Hours-of-Service Logs: To determine if driver fatigue played a role (per 49 CFR § 395).
- Maintenance Records: To check for neglected repairs or mechanical issues.
- On-Board Video Footage: Many modern buses have cameras that capture the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
By analyzing this evidence, we can identify the cause of the crash and demonstrate liability. We also work with medical experts and accident reconstructionists to help your claim reflect the impact the accident has had on your life. Our approach to building bus accident claims is thorough and strategic.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery with Matlin Injury Law
You do not have to face the aftermath of a bus accident alone. The legal team at firm-name is ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. We provide the personalized attention of a local firm with the resources necessary to take on large transit authorities and insurance corporations.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Centennial, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you determine the right path forward. Whether you need representation for a Centennial bus accident or you’re located in another Colorado city, our team is here to help.
Call firm-name at (303) 854-6078 or schedule your free case evaluation.
FAQs
Who is responsible for my injuries after a Centennial bus crash?
Liability in a bus accident is rarely simple. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
- The Bus Driver: For negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
- The Bus Company: For failing to properly train drivers, ignoring safety regulations, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.
- Government Entities: If the accident involved an RTD bus or a public school bus.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure or defective part caused the crash.
- Other Drivers: If another motorist’s negligence caused the bus to crash.
When determining who is liable, we examine driver records, maintenance logs, and witness statements. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Centennial, understanding liability is the first step toward recovery. Our Aurora bus accident lawyer and Parker bus accident lawyer teams have extensive experience with these complex liability determinations.
What is a "common carrier," and how does it affect my case?
In Colorado, buses are classified as “common carriers” under C.R.S. § 40-10.1-101. This means they provide transportation services to the general public for a fee. Under the law, common carriers owe their passengers the highest degree of care. This standard is more rigorous than the “reasonable care” standard applied to typical drivers. If a bus company or driver fails to meet this duty of care, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
This heightened duty of care is critical to your case. It means that even minor negligence on the part of the bus driver or company can result in liability. Our Colorado personal injury lawyers understand these nuances and use them to build stronger claims for our clients.
What should I do immediately after a bus accident in Centennial?
Your priority should always be your safety and health. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. If you are physically able, take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the bus driver. Avoid making detailed statements to insurance adjusters or bus company representatives until you have consulted with a Centennial bus accident lawyer.
The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your case. For detailed guidance, see our guide on what to do after a bus accident.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Colorado?
For most personal injury cases involving motor vehicles in Colorado, the statute of limitations is three years (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)). However, if your claim involves a government entity like RTD, you must provide formal notice within 182 days. Because these timelines are strict, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to sue.
Time is critical in bus accident cases. Whether you’re in Centennial, Aurora, or Parker, the sooner you reach out to our team, the better we can protect your legal rights. Don’t wait, contact us today to discuss your case.
What types of compensation can I recover?
Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, known as damages. These typically include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering and any loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: To repair or replace your vehicle if you were driving during the collision.
Note: Claims against government entities under the CGIA are subject to statutory damages caps. Currently, this is approximately $424,000 per person (adjusted for inflation). Our Colorado personal injury lawyers can help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
How does the 182-day notice requirement work for RTD accidents?
The 182-day notice is a mandatory requirement for filing a lawsuit against a public entity in Colorado. For RTD accidents, you must send this notice to the RTD Board of Directors or their legal representative. It must include details about the accident, your injuries, and the compensation you seek. This is not the same as filing a lawsuit. It is a formal warning that you intend to seek damages. Professional legal assistance is important for this process.
Missing this deadline can be catastrophic to your case. That’s why we recommend contacting our office immediately after an accident involving a government entity.
Do I still have a case if I was partially at fault?
Colorado follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
Even if you believe you may have been partially at fault, don’t assume you have no case. Contact our team to discuss your situation with an experienced bus accident attorney.
Will my bus accident case go to trial?
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, taking the case to trial may be necessary. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial to help us have the strongest possible leverage during negotiations.
Our litigation experience means we’re ready to fight for you in court if needed. We’ve successfully handled numerous bus accident cases throughout Colorado, from Centennial to Denver and beyond.
How much does it cost to hire a Centennial bus accident lawyer?
At firm-name, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or jury verdict. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about the financial burden of legal fees.
Our contingency fee arrangement removes the financial barrier to getting quality legal representation. You can focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.
