If you were injured in a bus accident, getting fair compensation for your damages could be an essential step in the healing process. However, attempting to recover compensation on your own can be a challenge. Hiring an experienced bus accident lawyer in Huntington can greatly increase your odds of getting the money you need.
At the Morelli Law Firm, we have helped countless bus accident victims get back on their feet after a crash. We have the knowledge and experience needed to put up an effective fight and get you fair compensation for your damages.
Who Is at Fault in a Bus Accident?
Many parties could potentially hold a level of fault in a bus accident. Whether you were a passenger on the bus, in another vehicle, or a pedestrian, determining who is liable for your injuries is essential. A bus accident lawyer can help you sort through the chaos and uncover who is at fault for your accident. Potentially liable parties include:
- The bus driver
- Another driver involved in the accident
- The government or private entity that operates the bus
- The company responsible for maintaining the bus
- The bus manufacturer
This list is far from comprehensive. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, many other parties could also be responsible. Determining liability is a critical first step in recovering compensation.
What Does a Bus Accident Lawyer Do?
When you hire a bus accident lawyer, one of the first things they will do will be to open an investigation into your accident. In this investigation, they will determine who is at fault for your accident and gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. They will then use the information they accumulated to assess your damages and calculate the value of your claim.
They will then discuss the strength of your case with you and advise you on how best to proceed. After you choose a course of action, your attorney will likely either submit an insurance claim to the liable party’s insurer or file a personal injury lawsuit with the court.
If pursuing a lawsuit, your lawyer will proceed through the steps of the pretrial process as they prepare to represent you at trial. However, your attorney will also be in continuous negotiation with opposing counsel, attempting to work out a settlement deal. Settling out of court will get you money quicker and enable you to avoid an unpredictable courtroom battle.
Huntington Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Damages You May Be Eligible to Receive
After an injury suffered in a bus accident, you will likely be eligible to recover a wide variety of damages. The specific damages you qualify for will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries you sustained. Your damages will be divided into three major categories:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
Economic Damages
Economic damage is a term used to describe any financial losses you suffered as a result of your accident. Economic damages can cover both income you failed to earn and money you were forced to spend after a crash. These damages include both current and future losses. Common economic damages you may be able to recover include:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Property damage
Non-economic Damages
Your losses that do not directly impact your finances are categorized as non-economic damages. These damages can be wide-ranging. The main thing these losses tend to have in common is that they are typically life-altering. Many of these losses can never be recovered, and moving on after suffering these damages can be incredibly challenging.
Because of this, the money awarded for non-economic damages is often significant. Common non-economic damages include:
- Decreased quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
While the previous damages all focus on compensating accident victims for their losses, punitive damages are more concerned with the at-fault party. Punitive damages are only awarded in a small percentage of cases where the liable party’s actions were criminally negligent or carried out with willful and wanton disregard for public safety.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Huntington?
The state of New York has a general three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. If you do not file within this period, you will likely lose your options for recovering compensation. Furthermore, special circumstances could apply to your case that can further limit how much time you have to file a lawsuit.
The best way to protect yourself and ensure that all deadlines are met is to hire a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. This will have the added benefit of putting them in the best position to gather evidence and build a strong compensation case.
The Cost of Hiring a Bus Accident Attorney
When hiring a bus accident attorney or any type of personal injury lawyer, anyone can afford representation. Unlike other attorneys who charge based on the hours they spend working on your case, these lawyers collect their fees based on results.
When you hire a bus accident lawyer, you will agree to pay them a one-time fee, which is a percentage of the compensation you recover from the liable party. This system not only makes it so that any accident victim can afford an experienced attorney but also helps ensure that your lawyer will do everything they can to get a big payout.
You can feel confident that your attorney will work diligently to recover compensation on your behalf since the more you get, the larger their payday becomes. Alternatively, your attorney won’t make a penny if they fail to recover compensation on your behalf.
Get a Free Consultation From a Bus Accident Lawyer in Huntington Today
At the Morelli Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping bus accident victims get back on their feet after a crash. Our team has a proven track record of recovering significant compensation for our clients to cover their damages.
Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get a free consultation today. Our team of Huntington bus accident attorneys will review your case and answer all your questions.