Being hurt in a bus accident can have serious and even deadly consequences. After being involved in such a serious accident, victims are often at a loss as to what steps to take to recover their damages. In this situation, someone who has been harmed in a bus-related collision may be thinking: I’ve been injured in a bus accident: What happens next?
Every day millions of people rely on buses and their drivers to safely take them to and from their homes, travel sites, workplaces, schools, and other important destinations. The last thing these passengers, or innocent bystanders, would want or expect is to be involved in a collision. Unfortunately, however, bus crashes happen more than many people realize.
What Can Happen During a Bus Accident?
Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and, in some cases, may cause death. A bus collision victim could be hurt in public transportation buses, private coaches, school buses, or tour vehicle accident vehicles. In addition, someone, such as another motorist or pedestrian, could also be seriously harmed or killed during a bus collision.
It’s important to recognize that buses are massive vehicles that often don’t provide safety features to stabilize passengers during a crash. Consequently, when a bus is involved in a collision, it could result in the vehicle rolling over and riders being thrown inside or from it. A crash of this magnitude could result in serious or catastrophic injuries to those inside and outside of the vehicle.
Bus Accident Damages
A bus crash claim typically involves serious injuries that result in major medical expenses and other losses, including those associated with:
- Lost wages and income
- Loss from disability (future lost income)
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Long-term care
- Specialized medical equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Disfigurement, deformity, and permanency of injury
What to do After a Bus Accident
Bus accident victims should know that there are specific time limits for filing a personal injury claim. Further, there may be special rules that pertain to the city or state agency that operates the bus involved in your collision. Therefore, if you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, you should contact an experienced bus accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. You want to have the insight and advice of an experienced bus accident lawyer to help ensure that you protect your right to recover compensation for your damages.
Fault v. No-Fault States and Bus Accidents
Bus collisions can be complicated, and a victim’s compensation will depend on multiple factors. One issue you may need to consider is whether you were injured in a fault or no-fault accident state. No-fault states permit recovery according to personal insurance policies. By contrast, in an at-fault jurisdiction, parties can pursue damages according to their state’s personal injury statutes.
Who is Liable in a Bus Accident?
There is also the matter of determining liability. Bus crashes often involve multiple parties, and it’s important to know who can be held responsible for your harm. For instance, your collision may have involved driver negligence, mechanical failure, or another vehicle or passenger. When there are several factors and potentially responsible parties, it’s crucial to know how to assess liability for your bus collision damages. Your bus accident attorney can help you review your case and determine liability.
Insurance Companies and Your Bus Accident Case
Depending on the extent of your bus crash harm, your damages may be hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. It’s important to know that the insurance company is not there to support you—they have an interest in paying as little as possible for your personal injury damages. These companies are very adept at looking out for their best interests. Therefore, you need experienced legal representation to fight for your right to be fairly compensated for your bus accident injury.
Contact an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney
The Dailey Law Firm P.C. has decades of combined experience gathering evidence and representing people who have been injured in bus and other motor vehicle accidents. Our firm knows what to do at every stage of your bus collision case and can help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
If you have been injured in a bus collision The Dailey Law Firm, P.C. can help. If you live in Michigan, Indiana, or Chicago, Illinois, and need help with your bus accident or personal injury motor vehicle case, contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your situation.