Unlike car accidents, bus accidents can involve more than 50 passengers, resulting in a chaotic and confusing accident scene. With more people receiving medical attention and first responders trying to secure the area, victims can quickly become overwhelmed. Worrying about who will pay growing medical bills becomes a low priority. However, consulting bus accident lawyers can ensure that pursuing compensation remains a high priority while you focus on healing.
Recovering damages can be challenging as state law distinguishes between private and public bus accidents. Claims involving government-owned buses have different filing deadlines and compensation limits. Failure to comply can result in the loss of compensation. Protecting your rights is one of the benefits of a San Antonio bus accident attorney. Our dedicated lawyers are ready to support your claim.
Bus drivers may be the obvious responsible party, but they may not be the only ones. Bus companies and government agencies are accountable for their employees’ actions while working. Poorly maintained buses can contribute to a bus accident, as can improper training or hiring practices. Our experienced lawyers investigate the bus accident and consult experts to establish accountability for all responsible parties.
Gathering and preserving evidence is crucial to constructing a strong legal strategy. Lawyers can help identify critical evidence such as:
They may use reconstructionists to help explain how the accident occurred. They may even consult meteorologists to determine if weather played a part in the accident. A San Antonio lawyer’s resources can benefit a bus accident case.
The settlement process begins with an insurance claim. Insurance carriers investigate the accident and may offer a settlement amount. Often, the amount is insufficient to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The benefit of a bus accident lawyer in San Antonio is effective negotiating skills that can help secure the maximum possible compensation for damages.
If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case may go to trial, where a skilled attorney can advocate for a fair settlement. Even if you are partially at fault, experienced counsel can pursue compensation up to your percentage of fault.
While government entities can be sued, the law limits compensation to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for local and municipal accidents, including school bus accidents. Compensation is capped at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident if the state is involved.
Bus accidents involving private buses, such as charter or tour buses, fall under personal injury law. Injured parties have up to two years to file a claim. If the bus is publicly owned, injured parties must notify the City of San Antonio within 90 days of the accident date. Failure to comply may result in a case dismissal.
Lawyers know the statute of limitations on private and public accident claims and can ensure filings meet the various deadlines. They understand the limitations applied to public-owned buses and can advocate for reasonable compensation. Our attorneys can help injured people pursue compensation when private bus companies are involved.
The benefits of a San Antonio bus accident attorney go beyond the legal framework. They include the peace of mind you receive when working with an experienced law firm. Felix Gonzalez Law has a team of lawyers ready to help pursue compensation so you can enjoy peace of mind as you heal. Call today to discuss your case.