The road accidents involving buses may result in life changing injuries to the interested parties as well as emotional and financial strains. Regardless of what led to it (driver neglect, inadequate maintenance of automobiles, etc), or even drunkenness by an unknown car driver, the consequences can be too much to bear. During these hard moments, it is very important to hire an experienced bus accident lawyer so that your rights can be safeguarded and you can be well compensated.
It is a guide that will make you know the reasons as to why you need a bus accident lawyer, the things that have to be done after a bus accident, and how a bus accident lawyer can assist you to stand up and be given justice and fair compensation.
Why Hire a Bus Accident Attorney?
Bus accidents entail many parties, including the bus driver, which is the bus company, government agencies, as well as, third-party contractors. An experienced bus accident attorney is a necessary person who:
- Safety investigation: the search of the accident, collecting evidence, questioning witnesses and analysing reports about the accident.
- Determination of parties at fault- who will be at fault, and who will pay you due to your injuries (bus company, driver, or otherwise).
- Dealing with insurance companies- this means not to accept less than what you deserve.
- Filing claims or lawsuits – taking legal actions in case it is required to obtain the most of the compensation.
A good lawyer would be familiar with state and federal laws of transportation and be able to move freely through the maze of such cases.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
One can reinforce his case by knowing what causes bus accidents. These include some of the most popular causes:
- Negligence of the Driver: To be distracted, sleepy, or an untrained person.
- Mechanically related: Failure to properly maintain, bad parts, bad brakes.
- Bad road situation: Potholes, construction areas and Spots that should be indicated.
- Other Reckless Driving: Accidents due to other cars.
- Weather Conditions: rain, fog or ice which causes loss of visibility and control.
The causative factor of your bus accident will be uncovered by your bus accident lawyer so that all the responsible parties can be made to pay.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
The accident involving buses may entail any kind of vehicles and situations that include:
- Public Transit Buses- Accidents involving city / Government buses.
- School Buses- School buses accidents involve cases where school children have suffered injury.
- Charter Buses- These are bus companies that provide long trips.
- Tour Buses – Accidents that take place on tour buses or sightseeing buses.
- Shuttle Buses- The most common one here is the airport or hotel bus replacement.
Every case needs a custom approach of law based on what kind of bus and ownership it is.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Doing the appropriate things after an accident involving a bus can either break or make your case. So do the following:
- Visit a Doctor- Though the injuries may appear minor, it is advisable to have them attended to by a medical person.
- Write Out the Scene- Make photographs, record videos at the accident scene, damages on the vehicle and injuries.
- Information about Witnesses- Get the names, numbers, and the statements of anybody who witnessed the accident.
- submit the Accident to the police- Report the accident and get it on paper.
- Do not Talk to Insurance Adjusters Do not make statements without consulting with your attorney.
- Speak to a Bus Accident Attorney- The faster you get a lawyer the better.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
An experienced bus accident attorney will recover all the losses on your behalf and with that they include:
- Medical Costs: Hosptial bills, operative costs, medicine and future medical checkups.
- Lost Wages: The payment made up of missed years on the job and earning capacity.
- Personal Injury: Suffering, emotional distress, personal trauma and impoverishment of life.
- Property Destruction: Expenses to fix or have to buy damaged personal property.
- Wrongful Death: In case the accident lead to the demise of one of your loved ones, the surviving family members are entitled to damages.
- The attorney will assess the entire monetary value of the accident to make the compensation as big as possible.
How a Bus Accident Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Case
An attorney specialising in bus accidents is of great value to the client as he offers all-round legal services, including:
- Carrying out an investigation in order to gather weighty evidence.
- Asking specialists like expert witnesses who will reconstruct the accident and/or doctors.
- In addition to managing all the legal documents and rigid deadlines.
- Getting tough with insurance companies to avoid under payment settlement.
- Appearing on your behalf in the court in case the settlement cannot be attained fairly.
- This is a legal knowledge which enables the victims to concentrate on recovery as the attorney battles their case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?
Bus cases are some of the most common cases that have more than one liable party which includes:
- Bus Driver – In case he/she was careless or irresponsible.
- Bus Company- poor hiring practice or bad training.
- Government Agencies- This might be in case of a government run bus that was not maintained properly.
- Bus Manufacturers- Of faulty car parts.
- Third Party Drivers- In case of property damage due to other vehicle on the road.
It is important to make sure you identify everyone you can lobby with regards to claiming your maximum compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims
The states impose a particular fixed time (statute of limitations) to launch claims to bus mishaps. Where the bus is owned by the government, you might be required to present a notice of claim within a much tighter amount of time which may only be a few months.
That is why it is absolutely important to talk to a bus accident attorney as soon as an accident occurs not to deprive yourself of the right to receive compensation.
Why Choose an Experienced Bus Accident Lawyer?
By selecting an experience bus accident attorney, you do gain:
- Successful Experience: Resolution of complicated cases of bus accidents.
- One-on-one Care: Comprehending your personal necessities and misgivings.
- Hard Hitting Representation: Fighting tooth and nail to get fair compensation.
- No Upfront Charges: The majority of bus car crash lawyers do not require up front fees, and will only be paid in case they succeed at winning your case.
Conclusion
The bus accidents may render victims with crippling injuries as well as financially strained. By employing a veteran bus accident lawyer, you will be guaranteed of the required justice and compensation. A competent lawyer will help you through all the procedures involved in determining the cause and claim payments with the insurance companies as well as represent you in the court of law.
In case of an injury in a bus accident, you or a family member should not delay seeking legal assistance. Call a local bus accident lawyer now to defend your rights and have a secure future.
References
-
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – “Traffic Safety Facts: Buses”
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/buses -
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – “Bus Safety Regulations and Resources”
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/passenger-safety -
American Bar Association (ABA) – “Understanding Personal Injury Law”
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/personal_injury/
