As a popular transportation source, there are countless buses traveling throughout the country. This great demand and increased number of buses lead to a greater risk for bus crashes.
Commercial bus accidents are more likely to result in debilitating injuries, such as paralysis, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries or loss of life. If a crash left you injured, you might be able to pursue damages through a personal injury claim.
Determining Who is At Fault in A Commercial Bus Accident
If you suffered injuries in a bus crash, schedule a case consultation right away with a commercial bus accident injury attorney. An investigation into the bus crash will be conducted during the claims process.
Your lawyer will determine what happened and if negligence played a role in the accident. If the bus driver or bus company are determined to be at fault, they are liable for any damages incurred as a result of the bus crash.
Bus crashes might be caused by various things, but your lawyer will reveal the contributing factors. If the bus driver or company was completely to blame for the crash, they are liable for 100% of the damages you suffered.
If you were considered partially at fault for the damages, you might not be eligible to recover damages or you might be able to recover a portion of the damages depending on whether comparative negligence laws come into play.
Acts of Negligence Contributing to Bus Accidents:
- Driving While Intoxicated - This might mean under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication, which impact the ability to operate a vehicle.
- Speeding - Driving over the posted speed limit or too fast for the specified conditions.
- Reckless Driving - Ignoring traffic laws or ignoring stop signs or traffic signals.
- Mechanical Failure - Failing bus parts or improper maintenance schedules followed.
- Distracted Driving - Driving while texting, eating, or reading documents.
If the bus driver performed any of these acts while driving right before the crash, you might be able to recover your damages through a personal injury claim. Consult with a personal injury lawyer before you file a claim.
Key Evidence to Gather
To prove negligence, you will have to present evidence to back up your claim. If you are physically able to here is what you should immediately start compiling to win your case:
- Witness Statements – Witnesses to the crash will help you determine who is at fault.
- Photographs – Take photographs of the damage and the location of the accident.
- Contact Information – Make sure that you have the contact information of all parties involved in the accident so you can go over the details of the case. This includes the driver and passengers as well as other vehicles in the crash and witnesses to the accident.
- Vehicle Details – Make sure to record the bus number as well as license plate. This will help track the maintenance and inspection history of the bus.
- Medical Expenses – This should include immediate treatment such as ambulance rides and ER stays as well as future procedures that will be required as a result of the accident.
- Lost Wages – Determine the past and future wages that you will lose due to any injuries sustained during the accident.
- Vehicle Damage – Talk to an auto repair shop to estimate the costs of vehicle repairs.
The evidence and documentation that you gather will determine the strength of your claim against the coach company.
Collisions Involving Coach Lines
If a bus accident left you with injuries and different damages, you might want to pursue a personal injury claim. Your attorney will know which damages to pursue, but most common damages include medical expenses, past and future lost wages, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and property damages.
Without a personal injury lawyer, your chances for winning a claim could be slim. You should schedule a case evaluation with a lawyer right away.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Concord Coach Lines, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
