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Bus travel is an economical, eco-friendly, and convenient way for millions of Americans to get around. In fact, more than 750 million citizens choose to take buses annually in the U.S. alone. Whether taking a tour bus, charter, shuttle, or city bus, buses are generally considered safe. However, bus accidents do occur, and when they do, the accident may lead to deadly consequences.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the experienced bus accident attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ to receive your free case evaluation. Call (800) 529-0804 today or contact us online.
Vehicle collisions, including collisions involving a bus, are due to driver error around 93% of the time. Law enforcement should be called immediately if you’ve been involved in a collision involving a bus. If anyone has been injured, attempt to keep them calm until emergency responders arrive. Next, you should obtain the responding police officer’s name and badge number, so that you will be able to obtain the police report easily. You will want to get the information from everybody involved, including passengers, witnesses, and the bus driver’s name. If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident, including the bus position and any other vehicle, road signs, and surrounding conditions. Refuse to sign any documents until you’ve had a chance to discuss your case with an experienced bus accident lawyer and have an opportunity to be evaluated by a medical professional. Remember that some signs of injury may not appear until days following the accident. Therefore, it is essential that you are assessed by a medical professional to have documentation of your injuries. Finally, ensure that the accident is reported, as this is law in North Carolina, even if you were not at fault for the accident.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, in order to receive compensation you will need to know which party(s) were at fault. In some circumstances, there may be more than one party involved in a lawsuit.
Bus accident parties may include:
In the event that a bus driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while distracted such as texting or driving, or was otherwise driving negligently, they will be held liable.
If a bus company failed to properly train a driver, hired a driver who was unqualified to operate the bus, or failed to otherwise comply with regulations, they may be held liable for their negligence.
If a bus was involved in a collision with other vehicles, the party who caused the accident or who was driving negligently may be held liable for the accident.
While bus accidents are not nearly as common as car collisions, accidents involving a bus can be devastating due to the number of people involved in the accident. Below are some bus accident statistics.
Although bus accidents do not occur frequently, the resounding effects can be devastating, especially whenever the loss of life, suffering, and/or severe injuries of others occur due to the negligence of a driver.
Initiating a legal claim after a bus accident can be complicated, especially while injured or grieving. However, a bus accident lawyer can help determine which party(s) are responsible for the accident and hold them liable for damages sustained. A bus accident lawyer will defend your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible to ensure that your damages are covered.
Bus accidents can vary widely in severity. Passengers, drivers, and third-party victims may suffer from minor or severe injuries such as loss of limbs, paralysis, or even death. Sadly, if involved in a bus accident, catastrophic injuries can occur, especially as buses are prone to rollovers.
Some of the most common bus accident injuries include:
Similar to other car collisions, the leading causes of bus accidents are typically due to the common culprits: distracted driving, driving under the influence, inexperienced drivers, and speeding. Bus drivers, especially those who transport riders over long distances, may be vulnerable to falling asleep behind the wheel.
Other leading causes of bus accidents include:
As with any other personal injury claim, you may be eligible to recover damages from economic, non-economic, and punitive categories if you have been injured due to another party’s negligence. Your lawyer can help you receive just compensation for your damages from the liable party(s). Damages may include:
Economic damages can include property that was damaged from the accident, medical costs, and lost wages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are non-tangible damages that may include pain and suffering, disfigurement, physical impairment, loss of earning capability, and more.
Punitive damages are only reserved for cases in which the negligent actions of the at-fault party were especially wanton or egregious, such as in the event of an intentional act. These damages are awarded to a plaintiff as a punishment to the defendant for their wrongdoing.
As motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving multiple parties or commercial vehicles, can become highly complex, it is essential that you contact an experienced North Carolina bus accident lawyer to discuss your case.
Every attorney at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters, ‘ is dedicated to helping bus accident victims receive the just compensation they deserve for their injuries and suffering. As your attorneys, we will investigate the accident thoroughly to ensure that all at-fault parties are identified and collect the evidence necessary to demonstrate their negligence. In order to receive the best possible outcome, it is necessary to stay ahead of the opposing party. We will investigate the accident, interview witnesses, analyze accident reports and medical records, consult with experts, and ensure that supporting evidence is kept intact when necessary. We have the required skills to successfully and aggressively negotiate with insurers for a settlement that will compensate you fairly for damages you have suffered, or in the alternative, file a winning claim in court.
Bus accident cases can be confusing and complex. However, you can rely on your bus accident attorney to put your mind at ease and allow you to focus your attention and energy on recovering. In addition, your attorney will be able to advise you as to the best steps moving forward to obtain the best possible outcome for your claim. Call Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters’ today by calling us at (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online to receive your free, no-obligation consultation. All legal services are at no out-of-pocket cost to you. We will not get paid until we win your case.
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