Accidents involving DART buses in Delaware can lead to complex questions about who is responsible for any resulting injuries. Understanding liability in these situations can make all the difference when you are seeking compensation.
There are several parties that you might hold accountable depending on the circumstances of the accident.
The DART bus driver’s role in liability
One of the first factors to consider is whether the DART bus driver acted negligently. If the driver violated traffic laws, failed to follow safety protocols or operated the bus recklessly, they could be responsible for your injuries. In Delaware, bus drivers must adhere to specific safety standards due to the large size of their vehicles and the number of passengers they carry. Violating these standards may indicate negligence, making the driver directly liable.
DART’s responsibility
DART First State, as a government-run transit service, may also be liable for accidents involving its buses. If the accident occurred due to improper maintenance of the bus, such as faulty brakes, or the driver’s inadequate training, the transit authority could bear responsibility. Government agencies have a duty to ensure that their vehicles and employees meet safety standards. However, filing claims against government entities like DART involves navigating special rules under Delaware law.
Third-party driver involvement
Accidents involving DART buses do not always occur solely because of the bus or its driver. In some cases, another driver may have caused the accident. If another vehicle collided with the DART bus and caused injuries, that driver may be liable. Delaware follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that an injured person can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault, as long as their fault does not exceed 50 percent.
Determining who is responsible for injuries after a DART bus accident requires examining the cause of the crash. Whether the driver, DART itself or another party is liable depends on the specific facts. Exploring each party’s role in the accident can help in identifying the responsible party and seeking the appropriate compensation for injuries.