Buses can be found all around the world. A leading transportation choice, there are more buses on the roads to meet the growing demand. If you have found yourself in a motor vehicle accident with a large bus or coach, odds are you have suffered serious damages. You might be able to recover your losses through a personal injury claim.
Determining Who is At Fault for a Bus Accident
If you have been involved in a crash with a bus, it is important to know who was at fault. The driver who was at fault is liable for the damages suffered. You should consult with a personal injury attorney.
Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash to determine what happened and why it happened. The investigation should reveal if the driver or bus company acted in a negligent manner before the crash.
Several different damages can be suffered in a bus crash, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damages. If the crash occurred in a state that abides by comparative negligence laws, you might be able to be awarded damages even if you took some of the blame for the accident.
Your settlement amount will have your percentage of fault for the crash deducted, however. There are several causes for bus accidents.
Acts of Negligence That Might Cause a Bus Crash
- Reckless Driving - This encompasses several reckless acts, such as speeding, running stop signs or traffic signals, or driving while distracted, such as texting, eating, or reading while operating a vehicle.
- Driving While Fatigued - This involves operating a bus while too tired or drowsy. It might be the result of driving too many hours.
- Mechanical Failure - If a mechanical part fails or breaks, it can lead to an accident. Mechanical failure could be a result of improper maintenance or not properly repairing problems.
- Driving While Intoxicated - If the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he has poor judgment and cannot properly operate the vehicle.
Consult with a personal injury lawyer to find out if the bus driver was acting negligently right before the crash. Any negligent acts might warrant punitive damages in addition to actual damages. Punitive damages were created to act as a form of punishment for the offender and to deter similar behaviors.
Crashes Involving A Bus
If you have suffered injuries in a crash with a bus, you should ensure your rights are protected and consult with a personal injury lawyer. Your injuries and damages might deserve compensation to help you recoup your losses. The initial case consultation is free, so schedule yours today.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Trailways Transportation System, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
