Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and often involve multiple people who are hurt because someone was negligent. These cases can also present unique problems for injured people seeking compensation.
When you or a loved one is harmed in a bus collision, an experienced personal injury attorney can tell you what legal options are available. A Kennewick bus accident lawyer can provide peace of mind during this challenging time and is ready to advocate on your behalf.
Bus accidents can involve a wide variety of vehicles for both private and public use, including school buses, commuter buses, shuttle buses, and motor coaches. Any accident involving a bus can heighten the potential for catastrophic injuries due to the large number of passengers these vehicles carry.
Usually, these accidents occur because an individual or a company is at fault. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the bus accident, the party at fault could include:
Common causes of bus accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, and fatigued driving. Speeding or failure to observe traffic signs and signals are also common factors in bus collisions. When a bus driver displayed these or other negligent driving behaviors and caused an accident, they could be legally at fault.
The bus company that employs the driver may also be responsible for damages. For instance, when the bus company engaged in negligent hiring practices, forced employees to work more hours than legally allowed, or neglected to enforce key driving policies, it could be legally liable for the damages sustained by those injured in the bus collision.
When a bus accident occurs through no fault of the bus driver or company but by a negligent motorist who causes the crash, injured people may be entitled to file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the at-fault driver. In other circumstances, the bus may have experienced an equipment failure, such as a brake malfunction, that led to the accident, which could put the liability on the company that designed or manufactured the vehicle.
When elements like potholes in the road or debris contributed to the accident, legal liability could extend to a municipal entity responsible for maintaining these areas. A Kennewick attorney can identify who is at fault for a bus accident and what forms of monetary recovery may be available.
A serious bus accident can leave people with lasting injuries to the head, neck, back, and knees. People injured in bus accidents also report spinal cord trauma, brain injuries, broken bones, and burns often.
One factor to consider is the statute of limitations for bus accident claims. In most cases, injured parties must start a personal injury lawsuit no later than three years from the date of the accident. However, when the lawsuit involves a government entity or agency, the period in which a claim can be filed may be much shorter.
Given the wide range of potential sources of liability in bus accidents, it is wise to speak with a Kennewick attorney who can investigate the situation further and start a claim as soon as possible. Recoverable compensation could include medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages from the bus accident.
Bus accidents often involve multiple negligent parties, and dealing with the insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming when you are injured. A Kennewick bus accident lawyer can handle all legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
An attorney at Telaré Law is ready to go the extra mile and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and overcome the common tactics insurance companies use to reduce the value of claims. To talk with a lawyer about your recent bus accident and what might be possible for your case, contact our office and set up your no-obligation legal consultation. Someone is available to speak to you 24/7.