Any time a passenger vehicle collides with a bus, the resulting accident has the potential to cause serious injuries for all parties involved. This is true for crashes involving school buses, commercial buses, or buses owned by state or local governments.
If you were involved in a bus accident, a skilled personal injury attorney could help you pursue justice for your injuries, no matter who was at fault. With the help of an Inverness bus accident lawyer, you could improve your chances of a favorable case outcome.
Who is Responsible for a Bus Crash?
The first step after a bus collision is determining who was at fault. This is crucial as financial compensation is only available with proof that someone’s negligent actions caused the wreck. Potential at-fault parties that could be responsible for a bus accident include:
The Bus Driver
Bus crashes often occur due to mistakes made by their operators. These accidents often occur due to reckless acts like speeding, failing to yield, or driving while impaired. When a bus driver causes a collision, they are personally liable for any ensuing damage.
Local Government
Many government entities, including local, state, and county governments, own buses in Inverness. If a driver of one of these buses is at fault for an accident, it could be possible to sue the government as well.
Bus Companies
It is also possible to sue the owner of a commercial bus in some situations. If the driver of a bus was on the clock at the time of the crash, the bus company could also be on the hook for any damages.
Bus Manufacturers
The makers of buses or bus parts might also be to blame for a crash. These accidents can happen when a defective prevents the vehicle from operating safely. A lawsuit could be possible against the manufacturer when defects are to blame.
Negligent Third Parties
Often, third parties are involved with the upkeep and maintenance of buses outside of the drivers and owners. Businesses in charge of repairing or outfitting these vehicles could be liable if their negligence rendered the bus unsafe. Common examples involve negligent repairs to the bus that cause an accident.
Identifying an at-fault party after a bus collision can be difficult, but a hardworking attorney could help an injured victim hold the appropriate person accountable for their carelessness.
Bus Accident Compensation
Unfortunately, crashes can result in significant injuries, which might lead to expensive medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. However, there are various types of compensation a legal representative could help an accident victim recover following a collision. For example, an injured party could seek damages based on the physical, emotional, and financial harm they suffered in the wreck. Common types of bus accident damages include:
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Past and future medical costs
- Diminished future earning power
Every accident is different, and there is no way to predict the outcome of a case. Thankfully, a lawyer in Inverness could identify an injured person’s losses and assess what their claim might be worth.
Call an Inverness Bus Accident Attorney Today
Bus accidents can be traumatic events, but they do not have to cost you the freedom to live your life free of physical and financial hardship. A civil lawsuit could provide you with the compensation you need to heal from your accident-related losses.
Before you move forward with a bus accident lawsuit on your own, consider discussing your case with an attorney. Call an Inverness bus accident lawyer today for more information.