Following a bus accident, it may be difficult to determine what to do next. Whether you were a bus passenger, driver or passenger in another vehicle, or a pedestrian, you might be able to seek compensation for injuries sustained in a bus accident. You may be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, as well as pain and suffering. A Seminole bus accident lawyer can evaluate your situation and determine whether you have a viable personal injury claim under state law.
While you focus on your physical and mental recovery following an accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can handle many aspects of your claim on your behalf. Legal counsel may be able to gather evidence to support your claim and file a formal claim with the relevant insurance companies. A skilled legal representative can also negotiate a settlement and file a lawsuit in court, if necessary.
Typical Causes of Seminole Bus Accidents
As with all motor vehicle accidents, bus accidents have a variety of causes. In many cases, driver negligence is a direct cause of a crash. When drivers carelessly disregard the safety of others on the roadway, they may be liable for any injuries that result.
Some of the most typical circumstances that could lead to bus accidents can include drunk or impaired drivers, distracted drivers, and drivers who are violating traffic laws. Whether drivers are speeding, failing to use turn signals, or not following traffic signs and signals, their lack of adherence to traffic laws can constitute negligence. When drivers are negligent, they may be responsible for the resulting accidents that cause injuries and property damage.
Furthermore, bus drivers are not the only potentially liable parties in bus accident claims. Bus companies can face liability for bus crashes in several ways, such as failing to properly inspect and maintain buses or failing to train and supervise bus drivers adequately. Likewise, manufacturers of buses or bus parts potentially may be liable for bus accidents if a defective part or vehicle causes an accident. A seasoned bus accident lawyer in Seminole may be able to investigate and identify all potentially responsible parties to a personal injury claim.
Determining Negligence Following a Collision
The legal theory of negligence underlies most personal injury claims, including those that arise from bus accidents. When drivers or other parties act in careless or reckless disregard of others and their safety, they may face liability for their negligence. If their conduct falls below the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation, then they may be negligent.
Proof of negligence to maintain a personal injury claim requires the establishment of four separate elements. These elements include:
- Parties owed a duty of care for the safety of others
- Parties breached that duty of care
- The breach in the duty of care proximately caused the accident
- Victims suffered injuries as a result of the crash
Providing evidence of negligence can result in injury victims recovering compensation from all negligent parties. For example, injured bus passengers might receive damages from the driver and bus company if the driver used drugs before the crash, or if the driver was driving recklessly. A skilled bus accident attorney in Seminole may be able to determine the proper course of action in a negligence case and pursue damages from all potentially liable parties.
Consult a Seminole Bus Accident Attorney for Advice
If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident, you should seek legal help as soon as possible. State law places strict time limits on personal injury claims, including those that stem from bus accidents. A Seminole bus accident lawyer can help ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines and lose your right to compensation.
The aftermath of a bus accident in which you have suffered significant injuries can be challenging. You likely are struggling to recover from your injuries and coming to terms with any permanent impairments that you have. Attaining the compensation that you deserve in this situation may enable you to support yourself and your family during this difficult time. Call today to schedule a consultation.
