Bus Accident Lawyer
On average, there are nearly 60,000 bus accidents each year in the United States that leave thousands of passengers suffering severe or even life-threatening injuries. When these accidents happen, not only are victims suffering from their injuries, but they are also left to take on the burden of the financial strain that often follows them long after they’ve recovered. Often, bus companies will try to avoid providing victims with the proper compensation they require to fully recover from the accident by claiming their injuries were not caused by the accident or by refusing to admit their own fault.
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, don’t wait to seek help. Contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
What Should I Do After I’ve Been in a Bus Accident?
After you have been involved in a bus accident where you have suffered an injury, you should do what you can to document the exact details of how the accident occurred. First, dial 911 and ensure medical services are sent to the scene. While the police and ambulance are on the way, if you are able, you should complete the following tasks.
- Gather the contact information of anyone involved in the accident
- Gather witness statements
- Take pictures or videos of the accident
- Take note of any injuries you have sustained
After you have received medical attention, collect the name and number of the officer(s) on the scene and when you are able, contact an attorney. Speaking with an attorney will ensure you have your bases covered. For more information about what you should do after you’ve been involved in a bus accident, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Bus Accident?
Due to their size and weight, bus accidents often result in serious injuries for those involved. Buses also lack the same safety features as a typical car or truck on the road, leaving passengers more vulnerable when in a collision. Typically, victims who have been involved in a bus accident will have suffered one or more of the following injury types.
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Lacerations
- Emotional distress
If you have suffered an injury after being involved in a bus accident, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today to learn more about what you may be eligible to recover.
What Are the Most Common Causes of a Bus Accident?
Bus accidents can occur for a multitude of reasons, and staying informed about the most common causes behind these dangerous incidents is crucial to help empower you to safeguard your rights and seek justice when needed. Some of the most common reasons bus accidents occur include, but are not limited to, the following:
Driver Negligence: Some of the most common forms of bus driver negligence that lead to serious and fatal accidents can include distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, medications, or other drugs, speeding, running red lights, and stop signs.
Mechanical Failure: Just like other vehicles on the road, buses need regular maintenance to ensure they are safe for operation. If a bus company or maintenance provider neglects these responsibilities, it can lead to catastrophic failures on the road. Mechanical failures can include, but are not limited to, worn tires, faulty brakes, and broken mirrors.
Poor Road Conditions: Due to their size and weight, buses are often more susceptible to accidents caused by poor road conditions and can struggle to avoid hazards on the road like potholes, uneven pavement, or other debris.
Weather Conditions: Bus drivers should be trained to handle driving in adverse weather conditions. However, strong winds, fog, snow, ice, and heavy rain can all contribute to reduced visibility and slippery roads, creating a challenging environment for bus drivers to maintain control of their vehicles on the road.
Bus companies are responsible for ensuring their driver and vehicles are equipped with appropriate safety features, such as proper training, functioning windshield wipers, anti-lock brakes, and more, to help reduce the risk of an accident. Speaking to an attorney can help you better understand why or how the bus accident occurred and who may be liable for your injuries.
If you have been involved in a bus accident and suspect one of the listed reasons may be the cause, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation. For more information on your accident case, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.
How Often Do Bus Accidents Occur?
On average, there are nearly 60,000 bus accidents each year in the United States alone. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2020, there were 46 school buses, nine intercity buses, and 86 transit buses involved in fatal crashes. While most of these collisions result in property damage only, hundreds of people are killed, and thousands more are injured each year. This is why, if you’ve been involved in a bus accident, and you or a loved one have suffered an injury, it is vital you contact an attorney.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Bus Accident?
After you’ve been in a bus accident, you can always file a claim on your own. However, working with an attorney can increase your odds of recovering the compensation you are entitled to after you’ve suffered an injury. Often, insurance companies or commercial bus companies will take advantage of victims without legal representation to avoid appropriately compensating them for their injuries. Working with an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal waters, ensuring you have the best chances of holding those parties liable and getting the justice you deserve.
Could I Recover Compensation After a Bus Accident?
After you’ve been involved in a bus accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for certain types of damages related to your injuries. The most common form of compensation bus accident victims may be eligible to recover include, but are not limited to the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
- Loss of consortium
Your case’s value depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries and the costs you’ve incurred from the accident. Accidents involving minor injuries are typically worth less than those with severe injuries. Speaking to an attorney can help you better determine how much your claim may be worth. Contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today to schedule a free case evaluation.
How Will Working With an Attorney Help My Accident Case?
If you decide to file a claim after you’ve been injured in a bus accident, finding the right attorney for your case is critical to ensure you have the best odds of recovering what you are entitled to. When you decide to work with Morgan & Morgan, you can rest assured we have not only the experience but the bandwidth to take on your case. Our trial-ready attorneys will never settle for less than the total amount your injuries and losses are worth.
You and your attorney will have access to experts and our resources, which include thousands of capable staff like engineers, investigators, researchers, and scientists, all ready to help prove your claim. At Morgan & Morgan, we invest our time and effort into ensuring you never have to worry about the logistics of your legal case; that way, you and your loved ones can focus on what matters most.
For more information, you can schedule a free case evaluation today with a Morgan and Morgan attorney to determine how to proceed with your case.
Should I Contact a Morgan & Morgan Attorney?
If you have been involved or suffered an injury due to a bus accident, you should contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney. For over 35 years, we’ve helped our clients get back over $20 billion for their injuries, and we want to help you, too. After an accident, do not wait to seek help from an experienced attorney. Contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form. From there, one of our team members will review your case and contact you.
Injured? Getting the compensation you deserve starts here.
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