Buses are one of the main modes of transportation for most people living in the Los Angeles area of the United States. Usually, buses are regarded as one of the safest modes when it comes to commutation because of its structure and skilled drivers. However, these vehicles as well are not immune to road accidents. In California, buses are held at higher standards and hence, are regarded as common carriers and the victims can obtain fair compensation from the liable party with the help of a skilled bus accident attorney.
Common Carrier Law
The common carriers in California can be defined as ‘a transportation company that transports people, goods, or property around the state’. However, the transportation company will have to meet the following requirements if they want to be labeled as a common carrier.
- The transportation company had to be established to transport goods and people from one place to another
- The transportation company must charge a fee for their services
- The company must set itself out to the public as a transportation company
In order to provide you some through details about the same and its effect on your bus accident settlement, below are some frequently asked questions about bus accidents and its common carrier status.
Who is regarded as common carriers?
Usually, almost all forms of transportation such as buses, trains, taxis, cruise ships, planes, ski lifts, elevators, and even some amusement parks are regarded as common carriers in California. Plus, common carriers are giver higher standards when compared to other automobiles. On a related note, the California law states that ‘common carriers must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill’. Hence, people involved in accidents caused by common carriers are likely to get maximum compensation without much hassle.
What are the guidelines a bus must adhere to if it is given the common carrier status in California?
Once a bus is branded as a common carrier by the government, the company must adhere to certain rules and regulations in order to maintain their status. Some of those rules include;
- The bus must be fit to perform its intended duties
- The employees must treat passengers with civility and must give them a reasonable level of attention
- Warn passengers of any possible dangers
- Protects passengers from dangers including the threats or dangers from fellow passengers as well
- Drive smoothly and carefully without making any erratic or sharp turns
- Regularly perform maintenance and inspection on the bus
- The equipment used in the bus must meet the safety standards
If they failed to do so and got involved in a collision, the company will be strictly liable and will have to provide fair compensation to the victims. However, since multiple parties can be held liable in this case, it is recommended to hire the services of a credible bus accident attorney.