Buses are large motor vehicles that can travel at faster speeds and carry many passengers. When accidents involving a bus occur, they can cause serious injury to passengers and others on the road. Many individuals could be at fault for these accidents, which establish legal rights to claims for compensation through the court system. The help of a Manor bus accident lawyer can be especially useful in determining the extent of rights to compensation and overcoming procedural and legal issues in your recovery. Call one of our skilled personal injury attorneys today.
The potential causes of a bus collision are not much different from other motor vehicle accidents and collisions. They may involve multiple vehicles or could be a singular vehicle accident. The cause for the wreck could relate to one or more of the following actions and behaviors:
The party held liable for bus accident injuries will generally depend on whose actions caused the accident. However, the liability could extend to others outside of the immediate accident. For example, the employer of a negligent driver when the accident involves a commercial motor vehicle could be liable.
State law allows a person injured by the negligence of others in a bus collision to collect compensation for two types of damages — compensatory and exemplary damages. The compensatory damages from a bus accident include both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are to reimburse for quantifiable costs, including medical expenses and lost wages. Noneconomic damages provide for general pain and suffering from the bus accident, including losses from disfigurement and other enjoyment of life.
In certain cases, exemplary damages could be available to someone injured in a bus wreck. These damages are given when the actions and causes behind the accident rise to the level of fraud, malice, or gross negligence. An example might include a bus driver operating without the proper commercial license or driving while intoxicated. Courts and juries can award greater damages in these cases. The state does place some caps on the exemplary damages available based on the amounts of compensatory damages from the case. A Manor bus accident attorney could go over what types of damages the claimant would be able to pursue in court.
It is common for bus collisions to arise from the fault of several persons, including an injured claimant. In cases with multiple people at fault, the comparative fault rule could impact the compensation available to an injured person. The court will reduce the person’s compensation in proportion to the percentage of fault the jury assigns to them. When the injured person is found to be more than 50 percent at fault, they cannot recover compensation from others.
The severity of your injuries and the cause behind the bus crash will ultimately determine the availability of compensation from responsible persons. A Manor bus accident lawyer can offer support in several ways when pursuing relief. We could evaluate the facts of your case and explain how state law could apply toward a future judgment or settlement. If you were recently involved in a bus accident, now is the time to seek counsel from a lawyer. Call one of our trusted attorneys to schedule a consultation today.