Do I Need a Bus Accident Attorney?
Buses are one of the most common forms of public transportation in the United States. Children use buses to get to and from school, workers commute on buses every day, and travelers ride on buses that take them across the state or even across the country. When a bus accident occurs, the results can be devastating for the victims. Given the significant size and impact force of a bus in a crash, a bus accident is often far more catastrophic than the typical vehicle accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in New York City, you need an experienced bus accident attorney on the case. Call or contact The Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel today to schedule an evaluation of your injury claims.
What Causes Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents can be caused by a number of different factors, and the specifics of your case will help determine who is ultimately liable for your injuries. One of the most common causes of bus accidents is distracted drivers. Drivers may be looking at their phones, distracted by passengers on the bus, or have their attention diverted by a distraction outside of the vehicle. Driver negligence also causes a number of accidents every year when bus drivers fail to adhere to traffic signs and signals or fail to check for other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians while behind the wheel.
In heavy urban areas, bus accidents can be caused by driver inexperience. This is especially the case when the large bus is in an area that is difficult to maneuver and drive. Road conditions and construction can cause bus accidents, especially when the bus driver is not used to driving in those conditions. Bus accidents can happen on the highway, in city centers, and everywhere in between when a driver is uncomfortable driving a bus in less than perfect pavement conditions.
Finally, bus accidents can be caused by vehicle failures and equipment malfunctions. Tire blowouts, brake failures, and weight distribution problems cause many bus crashes every year. In this type of accident, the bus company as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle or vehicle parts may be liable for victim injuries. Your bus accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need from those responsible for your injuries.
Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents
The injuries caused by bus accidents can be traumatic and catastrophic for victims. A person can be a passenger on the bus, in another smaller vehicle on the road, on a bicycle, or a pedestrian and suffer devastating injuries. Given the sheer size and force of a bus, injury victims often require extensive medical care, years of rehabilitation, and in many cases suffer from permanent disability or death. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered in bus accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head and facial trauma
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractured bones
- Amputated limbs
- Severe burns
- Soft tissue damage
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Death
If you or someone you know suffered injuries in a bus accident, it is critical that you speak with an experienced New York bus accident attorney right away. Victims of bus crashes only have a small window to file their claims for compensation.
Compensation for Bus Accident Injuries
Compensation for bus accident injuries include damages for economic and noneconomic loss. Economic damages refer to all out-of-pocket expenses caused by the accident, including property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and the loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic damages compensate victims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, in many New York bus accidents, the case is rarely that straightforward.
If the bus involved in the accident is owned by a government agency like a public school or the city, the deadlines for filing a claim are much shorter than the typical personal injury case. In some cases, an injury victim must file a notice within ninety days of the accident. In other cases, the victim may only have up to one or two years to file a lawsuit and preserve their right to compensation. Do not take a chance with your case and talk to an expert in bus accident cases today.
Hiring a New York bus accident lawyer is the best step you can take to protect your rights to compensation after a crash. First, an attorney can review the facts of your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. Once liability is established, a lawyer can review the extent of your injuries and advise you on the full and fair value of your case. An experienced bus accident lawyer also understands the law and will ensure that your claim is not denied because of a missed deadline or legal filing.
After a bus accident, the insurance adjusters will be asking for a statement mere hours or days after the crash. Do not be fooled – the insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They are trying to settle the claim as quickly and as cheaply as possible, and they are hoping that you will make a statement that will mitigate or negate your claims for damages. When you hire a bus accident attorney, the insurers are required by law to send all communication, requests for statements, settlement offers, and negotiation through your attorney. Let your lawyer worry about handling the insurance companies so that you can focus on what is most important — your recovery.
Call or Contact The Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel Today
At The Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel, our team of highly qualified legal professionals is prepared to zealously advocate for your claims after a bus accident in New York. To learn more about the wide range of legal services offered to our personal injury clients, call the office or contact us today. Schedule a consultation with an experienced New York bus accident lawyer today.
- May 4, 2020
- 11:14 pm