Many people use buses to take them to work, school, and travel destinations. Bus drivers must undergo special training to operate their vehicles and must abide by federal regulations to maintain their vehicles. Failure to do either might put their passengers and other road users at risk of getting into an accident.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), bus accidents that led to injuries increased from 2016 to 2017. Of bus accident fatalities between 2007 and 2017, about 13% involved intercity buses, 35% involved transit buses, and 40% involved school buses.
Victims of bus accidents can suffer severe injuries that may affect their finances and quality of life. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party is one of the first steps when pursuing compensation for damages, and a Buffalo bus accident lawyer can help you do so. If you were injured in a bus collision, call the Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 to assess if you can file a claim or lawsuit.
You Might Be Able to Recover Certain Damages After a Bus Accident
Victims of bus accidents can suffer injuries that might need costly medical treatment and surgeries. The collision may also affect their ability to work for some time, which can lead to lost income and reduced financial capacity.
A bus accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your damages, such as:
- Emergency medical treatment costs
- Medical equipment costs
- Vehicle repair costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
Bus accidents can be traumatic for some people and can cause grief and stress, leading to mental health issues. As a result, a person might need to undergo counseling to deal with these emotions and adapt to a different lifestyle.
A Buffalo bus accident lawyer can consult medical experts to determine the costs of your treatment, including costs for future treatment. Based on the information given, they may include these expenses as part of your claim and present it to an insurer. If you suffered damages in a bus accident, you might be able to receive compensation from the party or parties who caused you damages. Reach out to the Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 to consult our legal team about your case.
How to Determine Liability in a Bus Accident
Many bus accidents are a result of driver negligence. For example, a motorist may drive under the influence of drugs, which is against state law. The driver might also fail to obey traffic light signals and hit other road users, including pedestrians.
According to the New York Department of Transportation (DOT), all buses must meet various safety measures and requirements. These regulations include not carrying more than the allowed number of passengers and ensuring all vehicle parts are in good working condition. While these laws help prevent and reduce accidents, some bus companies may fail to observe them. If an accident occurs because of their negligence, you might be able to claim damages from the company’s insurer.
In some cases, multiple parties might have contributed to an accident, and they may be held liable for the injuries they caused. For example, a bus company might have failed to do a routine check-up on the maintenance of its bus fleet. If one of its buses got into an accident due to a mechanical failure, the bus company may be held partially at fault for the accident.
A Buffalo bus accident lawyer can examine your case to establish the cause of the accident. After that, they may collect evidence to help prove liability, then file a lawsuit against the party at fault. Evidence that may be used to support your case might include:
- Your medical records
- Receipts showing the cost of medical treatment
- Photographs of damages to both vehicles after the crash
- The police report on the incident
- Witness testimony
- Video footage from traffic and surveillance cameras
Buffalo Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Bus Accident
An insurance company may reach out to you to offer a settlement. However, this amount might not be enough to cover your damages. To avoid accepting an unfair settlement offer, a lawyer can assess your damages and estimate their costs. They may then determine if you will need to incur more expenses, especially if you are treating long-term injuries. Using this information, your attorney can compile a detailed report demonstrating each damage and pursue compensation based on this financial goal.
A car accident can make it challenging for the injured party to attend meetings during the litigation process. For example, you might be unable to participate in legal procedures like negotiating with insurance adjusters. With a lawyer, they can act as your legal representative. Your attorney can communicate with other parties involved and attend meetings on your behalf. They can also update you on the progress of your case. A lawyer may also assist you with your case by:
- Filing a lawsuit against the liable party when necessary
- Ensuring you file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations in New York, as stated in the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214
- Interviewing witnesses to gather anecdotal evidence
- Accessing medical and police reports
- Advising a client on various legal matters
- Ensuring the protection of a client’s legal rights
Contact the Morelli Law Firm for a Bus Accident Case Consultation
Bus accidents may result in significant physical injuries, emotional pain, and material damage. At the Morelli Law Firm, we represent people who were injured in such collisions and help them seek justice. Our lawyers can analyze how the event occurred to determine the at-fault party and file a reimbursement claim. If you or a loved one suffered various injuries due to a bus accident, you might be able to recover them. Contact the Morelli Law firm at (212) 751-9800 today.