An accident with a bus can be very serious. If a bus ran into your vehicle, or you were a passenger on a bus when it was in an accident, it’s very possible you suffered some serious injuries. You may be wondering who is going to pay for all those medical bills, and how you are going to pay the mortgage or rent if you’re laid up in the hospital.
There are a lot of buses on the roads these days — the CobbLink, shuttle buses, school buses, party buses, a Greyhound bus — they’re big, and getting in an accident with one can be serious business. The average bus can weigh as much as an 18-wheeler, and it can do serious damage if it hits your vehicle. And if you’re a passenger on a bus that hits another vehicle or rolls over, you can be thrown from your seat and hit by flying debris, including luggage, laptops, purses, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, Mableton accident firm can help. We can connect you with a Mableton bus accident lawyer who will listen to your story, explain your rights, and answer your questions. We’ll help you determine the way forward, and assist you in filing claims with the various insurance companies. We have experience going head to head with insurance companies, and negotiating top settlements.
Different Bus Accidents Are Handled Differently
Our firm handles every kind of bus accident. But the specifics of your case will make a difference when it comes to who we negotiate a settlement with — the bus driver, the bus company, the school district, a local municipality, or someone else.
Bus Vs Vehicle
This is the most common scenario, where a bus hits a car or other passenger vehicle. They can cause injuries to both the vehicle driver, and the passengers on board the bus. Common causes of collisions can include:
- The bus driver hits a vehicle during a wide turn.
- The vehicle was in the blind spot and the driver didn’t see it.
- The bus driver is distracted — yelling at school kids to sit down, texting while driving, talking to dispatch, etc.
- The bus driver swerves suddenly to avoid running into or over something.
- The bus driver was negligent — ran a red light, was speeding, etc.
- The bus company was negligent — failed to keep up with maintenance, hired a driver with a drug problem, etc.
- Rain-slicked roads or snowy roads.
Bus Vs Bicycle
Bus drivers sit very high up, and may not even see a cyclist until it’s too late. If a cyclist is hit by a bus, it may result in a fatality, because the cyclist has virtually no protection. At the very least, the cyclist would suffer serious injuries. We have bicycle accident lawyers on staff, and our firm does also handle wrongful death cases. We realize there isn’t enough money in the world to compensate you if a loved one dies in an accident, but a wrongful death settlement can go a long way towards paying for medical bills and funeral costs, as well as helping take care of your children in the future.
Bus Vs Pedestrian
Bus Vs pedestrian accidents are pretty uncommon, but we have seen instances where a bus hit a pedestrian. As with a cyclist, a pedestrian has no vehicle protecting them if they are hit by a bus. As a result, these accidents can result in very serious injuries, or even death. Our lawyers are caring and compassionate, and will help you deal with the insurance companies and all of the red tape.
An Accident Injures the Bus Passengers Injured
Since most buses don’t have seat belts, passengers can easily be injured if their bus is in an accident. If you suffer injuries as a result of being a passenger on a transit bus or party bus, or a school bus accident leaves your child with broken bones or worse, you may want to speak with a bus accident lawyer. A skilled accident lawyer will help protect your rights and run interference between you and the insurance companies. In many cases, the bus driver and the bus company have a legal agreement with a government agency or the local school district. The law requires these organizations to carry comprehensive insurance that will cover costs related to your injuries.
Who Is at Fault in a Bus Accident?
The police and the insurance companies will determine who is at fault in a bus accident. A passenger would most likely have 0% fault, unless they were being unruly. Most times, a cyclist is not at fault. In a bus accident involving another vehicle, the bus driver, the bus company and the insurance company are going to want to say you are at fault.
The negligent driver is at fault. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can claim damages. Be aware that if you sue for damages rather than settle with the insurance company, any damages awarded by the court may be reduced by the percentage at which you were at fault.
What Damages Can I Collect After a Bus Accident?
You can file an insurance claim seeking damages, and you can also sue for damages if the insurance company does not want to make a fair settlement. You can seek the same damages in both cases. Examples include:
- Ambulance fees
- Hospital bills
- Doctor’s bills
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Treatment for PTSD
- Lost pay if you missed work because of the accident
- Future potential salary and wages if you were disabled in the accident
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or bicycle
- Pain and suffering after the loss of a loved one in the accident
A skilled bus accident lawyer can help you file your claim so that it takes all costs into consideration. We can hire medical professionals to estimate what any future medical costs may be due to your injuries, and we work with your employer to determine lost and future wages. We have the skills and experience to handle all of the legwork and legal wrangling, so you can focus on your recovery.
Consult With to a Mableton Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Injuries from a bus accident can be quite costly. If you’re wondering how you will pay those medical bills, you may want to talk to a Mableton bus accident lawyer. We are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies — you don’t have to go it alone. Our lawyers have helped many bus accident victims over the years. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or use our contact form to schedule your free and no obligation case review today.
