You Don’t Have to be Driving to be Hurt
Millions of Americans use public transportation every day, with a large percentage relying on buses to carry them to and from work, the store, school, and anywhere else they need to be. Buses are heavy-duty vehicles with a lot of physical power. When bus accidents occur, there can be devastating consequences.
Whether you were a passenger on the bus,a pedestrian who was hit, or in a different vehicle involved in the accident, your injuries could be compensated. Due to the size and weight of buses, even small accidents can be catastrophic.
Compensation for Passengers
Bus riders rarely have the safety measures enjoyed by car riders, including seatbelts, airbags, and even guaranteed seating. Passengers can be at risk of injury if the bus simply stops abruptly. In the case of a full accident, the bus company may be responsible for a literal bus-load of injured persons.
If you were a passenger who got injured on a bus, it is unlikely that you will be found to be at fault. This means that any injuries sustained during the accident are claimable and should be compensated.
Compensation for Pedestrians
Pedestrians who are struck by buses can sustain serious and sometimes even catastrophic injuries. Even though buses rarely go at high speeds while on roads with pedestrian access, their size and weight can cause serious damage.
Unfortunately, not every pedestrian accident is the fault of the driver of the vehicle. If you were jaywalking at the time of the accident, it can be argued that the bus did not have a reasonable amount of time or space to stop. If you can prove that you were following the rules or the road at the time of the accident, you could receive compensation from the bus company.
Compensation for Drivers
When buses collide with other cars, the passengers of both vehicles can sustain injuries. Depending on the situation, the driver of the car or the bus company can be found to be at fault. If the driver of the car is found to be at fault, they may be required to cover the damages of the accident. If the bus driver is found to be at fault, the bus company is responsible for covering the damages.
If you were injured as a passenger in either vehicle, you are likely eligible for compensation for the damages you have suffered. If you were the driver of the car, your situation may be more complicated as fault is determined.
Types of Compensation in Bus Accident Cases
Damages in bus accident cases follow the same guidelines as damages in any other personal injury case. There are physical damages (injuries), property damage (broken/damaged goods), and further damages (lost wages, death benefits, and anything beyond physical or property damage).
Physical damages are some of the most common claimed damages. They can range from claims for the expenses of treating catastrophic injuries to basic treatment for minor injures. Due to high healthcare costs in America, almost any sized injury can break the bank of an uninsured or underinsured person.
Some common bus accident injuries include:
- Broken/fractured bones
- Cuts
- Brain/spine injuries
- Bruising
- Facial injuries
- Whiplash
Property damage in vehicle accident cases often refers to damages to the vehicles involved in the accident. If your car was hit by a bus, then you could claim the damage done to your car and receive compensation for any necessary repairs. Beyond vehicular damage, property damage claims can cover anything of value that was damaged in the accident. If you were a passenger on the bus and you were carrying a bag full of delicate crystals, you could claim their value and receive compensation.
Further damages reflect the ways in which an accident can impact your life beyond physical injuries and lost property. If your ability to get to work has been impacted, you may see lost wages, or even lose your job altogether. This could make you eligible to claim wage loss and avoid bankruptcy. If you lost a loved one in the accident, their funeral costs and death benefits could fall to the bus company to be compensated.
Making Your Case
If you have been injured in a bus accident or have experienced the impacts of a bus accident you might be eligible for compensation. In order to make your case, you will need proof of 2 things: 1) you were not at fault, and 2) the damages you are claiming are directly resulting from the accident. This proof can come in the form of expert testimony, photographic evidence, appraiser testimony, and medical records.
Filing and defending a case requires considerable organization and expertise, things you shouldn’t worry about while you are recovering. That’s why Skinner Law Firm is here to defend you and get you the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at Skinner Law Firm are experienced, skilled, and ready to fight for your best interests in court. For help with your case, contact us today at 304-725-7029.
