Buses are widely used for mass transportation of people and goods. On average, a bus can carry at least 50 passengers, with some accommodating up to 70 individuals. While buses serve as a means to reduce the number of smaller vehicles on the road, they also present various safety risks to passengers and other road users. According to the Department of Transportation, over 67,000 bus accidents occur annually in the United States.
When a loved one is injured in a bus accident, they face significant financial burdens along with serious physical and emotional suffering. Fortunately, a personal injury lawsuit allows these victims to seek justice by filing a claim for compensation against the responsible parties. However, the legal process for recovering damages can be complex, involving specific state laws that may be challenging for the average Baytown citizen to understand. Without proper knowledge, mistakes can jeopardize their case. To avoid this, it is recommended to consult with a Baytown bus accident lawyer who can provide representation.
Tragically, some bus accidents result in fatalities. Many lives have been lost, and others have sustained permanent disabling injuries in bus crashes. Coping with the loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult. However, filing a claim for wrongful death may provide surviving family members with closure and help them move forward. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney from our firm to learn how we can assist you in your case.
Determining the party or parties likely to be held liable depends on the type and cause of the accident. It is crucial to investigate the crash thoroughly before filing a claim against any party. Liability can be a challenging aspect of a personal injury case, as multiple parties may be involved, and the defendant may deny liability even in clear-cut situations. This often leads to a legal dispute between the injured victim (plaintiff) and the at-fault party (defendant).
Unfortunately, the average victim lacks the resources and legal expertise to effectively fight against well-resourced insurance companies. Therefore, it is important to engage a skilled lawyer for your bus accident case. Your attorney’s primary tasks will include investigating the accident, establishing fault, and proving that you have suffered harm as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
Depending on the cause of the crash, the following parties may be held directly liable for your damages:
In some cases, you may have multiple defendants in a single case. Your attorney will advise you on the best legal option to pursue maximum compensation. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, comparative negligence laws still allow you to recover a settlement for the damages suffered.
In most personal injury cases, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant was negligent in their actions or inactions. The key elements of negligence are as follows:
All motorists, including bus drivers, owe a duty of care to road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and other drivers. They must act reasonably to avoid endangering the lives of Baytown residents while conducting their activities.
If a Baytown bus driver fails to act reasonably while operating the vehicle, it indicates a breach of their duty of care. Bus manufacturers must also ensure that their products and vehicle parts meet the highest safety standards. If a defect in a product is proven to have caused the crash, it can be assumed that the manufacturer breached their duty of care.
Not all bus crashes result in injuries. There are rare cases where no one is hurt in a crash. In such instances, you may not be entitled to injury compensation if you suffered no significant harm. Filing a legal claim implies that you were injured as a result of the crash. A dedicated lawyer can assist you in proving this by documenting medical bills and receipts related to the bus accident.
If you have any questions about the legal process, contact Lone Star Injury Attorneys today. Our Baytown bus accident lawyers will confidentially discuss your case and advise you on the best approach, whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or going to trial. To schedule a free consultation, call us today or reach out to us online.
