What are Ohio laws on bus accidents?

Laws relating to mass transit accidents, such as those involving city buses, vary greatly depending on state so if you live in Ohio, you need to know the Ohio laws on bus accidents. Who may be held liable for an accident, and to what extent, will change based upon the location of the accident as well as the specifics of the occurrence. In the state of Ohio, as in many other states, it is possible in some situations for the bus driver to be held liable, but he or she is not automatically assumed to be so. There is no hard and fast rule that applies when a city bus is involved in a collision that leads to a lawsuit.

The basic law regarding bus accident liability in Ohio states that the bus driver is responsible for exercising ordinary levels of care and caution when it comes to the safety of his or her passengers. However, the bus driver cannot control every aspect of bus safety, and incidents may occur – from actions taken by passengers on the bus, to actions taken by other drivers – that are beyond the driver's control. Thus, a court will typically only hold the driver liable should it be proven that he or she showed negligent behavior that led to the accident. Further, the bus company may be held liable for the actions of the driver in many cases; however, if the bus was a public transportation or city bus there may be additional limits and rules regarding a lawsuit. 

If you're unsure what laws apply in your situation, speaking to a local lawyer is the best way to ensure your rights are protected and to find out whether or not you have a case – and how to proceed if you do.