Trusted with getting kids to school and adults to work, buses perform important tasks and are necessary. Unfortunately, buses can be incredibly dangerous because of the size and weight needed to transport that many people. When they collide with another vehicle or object, both the people outside the bus and those inside are at incredible risk of severe injury. Fortunately, depending on the circumstances, people injured in a bus accident may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover monetary compensation.
In bus accident lawsuits, victims can pursue both economic and non-economic damages, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Filing a personal injury claim after a bus accident is often complex, as there may be more than one liable party, and the injuries can pass into the catastrophic threshold. This often means higher compensation, but these injuries can also be more challenging to prove. Working with an experienced bus accident lawyer, like a lawyer with the Hollis Law Firm, can be vital to a successful outcome.
Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, each contributing to the complexity and severity of the incident. One of the most common causes is driver error. This can include actions such as speeding, reckless driving, or failing to adhere to traffic laws. When a bus driver makes a mistake, the consequences can be catastrophic due to the size and weight of the vehicle.
Vehicle maintenance issues are another significant factor. Buses require regular and thorough maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or other mechanical failures can lead to dangerous situations on the road. It’s crucial for bus companies to keep detailed bus maintenance records and address any issues promptly to prevent accidents.
Road conditions also play a vital role in bus accidents. Potholes, construction zones, and poorly marked roads can create hazardous driving conditions. Similarly, weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of a bus crash.
Lastly, the negligence of other drivers on the road can contribute to bus accidents. Passenger car drivers who are distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence can cause collisions with buses, leading to severe injuries for all parties involved.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
Before recovering compensation from a personal injury claim, there needs to be a clear understanding of who is liable for damages. However, liability can be complicated to establish after a bus accident, as there is the possibility that there’s more than one party who could be at fault. Possible parties that could be held liable for a bus accident include:
- Bus driver
- Driver of another vehicle
- Bus company
- Bus manufacturing company
- Bus maintenance company
- Government entity (city, county, school district)
- Transportation company
In addition to the driver and bus company, the bus manufacturer can also be held liable depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Each bus accident case can vary drastically from the other because of the various elements that contribute to the bus accident and the effects that bus accident has on victims. Trying to tackle a bus accident claim and possibly recovering from severe injuries can be difficult to balance, but you don’t have to do it alone.
When a public transportation agency owns the bus involved in the accident, the complexity of liability increases, particularly regarding sovereign immunity and legal repercussions.
Hiring an experienced bus accident lawyer can be essential for a successful outcome to your claim. A bus accident lawyer can help ensure all liable parties are held responsible and fight to recover maximum and fair compensation. Protect your right to fair compensation by working with a dedicated personal injury lawyer today.
Multiple Parties Involved in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, each of whom may bear some responsibility for the incident. The bus driver is frequently scrutinized first. If the driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or failing to follow traffic laws, they could be held liable for the accident.
The bus company also plays a critical role. They are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are well-maintained and that their drivers are adequately trained. If a bus company neglects these duties, they may be held accountable for any resulting accidents.
In cases involving school buses, the school district may be another liable party. If the bus was transporting students at the time of the accident, the school district could be held responsible for ensuring the safety of the children and the proper maintenance of the bus.
Other drivers or pedestrians involved in the accident may also share liability. If another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, they could be held responsible for the damages. The complexity of these cases underscores the importance of having a skilled bus accident lawyer to navigate the intricacies of determining liability.
Unique Issues In Bus Accident Claims
With standard accident claims, the process involves negotiating a personal injury claim with an insurance carrier or filing a lawsuit in court when they fail to agree to fair compensation. Generally, the process itself is straightforward, even if the claim itself isn’t. However, that straightforward process doesn’t always work with bus accident claims because more elements and individuals are at play.
For instance, the claim process for an injured bus accident passenger and a claim for a driver in a vehicle that collided with the bus are handled differently and require different processes for recovering compensation.
Common bus accident injuries include neck, back, and shoulder injuries, broken bones, concussions, and bruising. A bus accident lawyer can help victims recover compensation for these injuries and associated expenses.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, individuals may be able to file third-party claims against another at-fault driver, or they may need to file a claim against a government entity. Filing a claim against a government entity, like a school district or public transportation bureau, can be complicated. Liability in accidents involving a school bus can be complex, with various parties such as school districts and governmental entities potentially being held accountable.
Legal implications and protections related to filing claims in a school bus accident are significant and require expert evaluation. Additionally, the complexity of liability in school bus accidents often involves multiple parties, including the driver, bus company, school district, and bus manufacturer.
Therefore, bus accident victims should contact a bus accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help ensure that you follow the necessary procedure to set your claim up for success.
Legal Steps Following a Bus Accident
Following a bus accident, taking the right legal steps is crucial to protect your rights and seek compensation for any injuries or damages. The first and most important step is to seek medical attention immediately, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Prompt medical care ensures your injuries are documented and treated appropriately.
Next, report the accident to the police and the bus company. An official report can be a vital piece of evidence in your case. Gathering evidence at the scene is also essential. Take photographs of the accident site, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses who can provide statements to support your claim.
Once these initial steps are taken, it’s imperative to contact a skilled bus accident lawyer. Navigating the legal complexities of a bus accident claim can be daunting, but an experienced attorney can guide you through the process. They will help you determine who is liable for the accident and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
By following these steps and working with a dedicated bus accident attorney, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful outcome in your personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Skilled Bus Accident Lawyer Today to Recover Fair Compensation
Victims who’ve been injured in a bus accident deserve to work with an attorney with the knowledge and skills to tackle a bus accident claim. At Hollis Law Firm, we are proud to offer our clients unmatched legal representation and the necessary advice and assistance they need to seek fair compensation.
Our personal injury lawyer is dedicated to our clients and is committed to ensuring they understand every step of the process and feel confident in their claims. If you feel you have a claim, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation at (800) 701-3672 or by filling out our contact form.
