DIAL '3' FOR ME
334-333-3333Buses are generally a safe mode of transportation. Children ride on them to go to school and adults use them to travel to and from work. Buses are also used to shuttle tourists around. They tend not to get involved in as many accidents as other vehicles.
Despite the general safety record, thousands of people still get injured in bus accidents every year. While some escape with minor injuries, others are badly hurt and they face high medical bills. Under Alabama’s laws, you can seek compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident. However, actually securing that compensation can be difficult without the help of an Alabama accident lawyer.
Like other traffic accidents, bus accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. These include whiplash, bruises, concussion, broken bones, and organ damage. Sometimes, these injuries result in death. However, buses tend to result in some unique injuries because of their design. For example, they have a high center of gravity so they are more likely to roll over when they get involved in a crash.
Since buses don’t have seat belts, passengers are also more likely to be thrown around on impact. In addition, since passengers may be carrying lots of items, there are more potential projectiles. Therefore, while it is less likely that a bus will get involved in an accident, the injuries can be quite serious when a collision does occur.
Bus accidents can be caused by the actions of the driver, a third party or external factors. Sometimes a smaller vehicle hits the bus and forces the driver to lose control. However, some bus drivers are simply negligent. Despite the fact that they are responsible for the lives of several people, they break traffic laws and company rules. They may speed, ignore traffic lights and signs or use their phones while driving. When they do this, they should be held responsible for the injuries that result.
Sometimes, the bus itself may be the problem. Some accidents are caused by poor maintenance, outdated equipment, brake failure or fire onboard the bus. When that’s the case, the owner of the bus, the mechanics who repaired it, or the manufacturer of the parts may be responsible. If road defects contributed to the accident, you may be able to go after another party. However, you need to seek the assistance of an Alabama accident lawyer to determine who is the correct defendant. After some motor vehicle accidents, an Alabama accident lawyer will advise you to take action against multiple parties.
Because of all the factors mentioned above, bus accidents present some unique legal challenges. If another vehicle caused the accident, you can seek compensation from that driver’s insurer. However, if the bus driver is at fault, things may be more difficult.
Buses are usually owned by government departments, school districts or charter companies. Bringing a successful lawsuit against them will be more difficult than negotiating with an individual’s insurance company. That’s why you need to have an experienced Alabama accident lawyer involved in the claims process.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, the first thing you need to do is file a claim with the bus company’s insurer. If they deny your claim, you may have to sue the government agency which operates the bus. This process can take months or even years in the United States, so you need to be prepared for the long haul. If you have an Alabama accident lawyer on your side, they will handle the legal issues while you focus on getting better.. They will ensure you present all the necessary evidence to the court and guide you through all the proceedings.
We are experienced Alabama accident lawyers with a long track record of getting clients the compensation they deserve after bus accidents. Reach out to us for a consultation and we will show you how we can help you. If someone’s negligence caused your injuries, we will work hard to prove it and get you the compensation you need to move on with your life. You may be able to get damages including:
Since you generally only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, you need to move quickly. Seek legal representation as soon as possible so we can begin the process. At the Vance Law Firm, we will do everything we can to ensure you get justice.
