What You Need to Know About Bus Accident Injury Claims
Buses carry commuters all across cities and towns and often offer a cheaper alternative to most other modes of public transportation. However, much like any other vehicle on the road, buses are not immune to being involved in accidents and, in fact, they account for at least 63,000 of them every year. If you were involved in a bus accident and sustained injuries as a result, you have a right to pursue compensation, so do not hesitate to seek legal representation.
Bus Accident Injuries
Like any other traffic accident, those involving buses can result in a vast range of injuries that can range from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bus accidents include whiplash or other soft tissue injuries, serious head trauma, and broken bones or fractures. Unlike car accidents, there are other safety risks that factor into bus accidents, such as tip-over or rollover accidents, the rate of which is much higher for buses than other motor vehicles. Additionally, buses generally do not feature any forms of safety restraints or supplemental safety devices, such as seat belts or air bags, increasing one’s chances of suffering a serious injury.
Unique Issues Involved in Bus Injury Claims
In a motor vehicle accident, there is generally one clear at-fault party and your attorney will ultimately negotiate with their insurance company to reach a settlement agreement that covers the costs associated with your injuries and compensates you for your pain and suffering. While there can be some hiccups and stubbornness involved, it is mostly a straightforward situation.
Bus accidents are different. In some cases, the driver of another vehicle on the road might be to blame, which means you will have to make a third-party claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. If the accident is the bus driver’s fault, things can get even hairier since most buses are owned or operated by government entities, such as school districts or public transportation bureaus. Filing an injury claim with a government body is typically complicated and often involves shorter statutes of limitations within which you must file your claim.
Determining Fault in Bus Accident Cases
In bus accident cases, special investigations are often required to determine fault. Some of the factors that often cause or serve as contributing factors in bus accidents include:
- Fatigued bus drivers
- Drivers who are not properly trained or screened for employment
- Drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants
- Buses that are either overloaded or improperly loaded
- Buses or equipment that is not properly maintained
Bus Accident Attorney in Nassau County
If you were injured in a bus accident, it is imperative that you seek skilled legal representation as soon as possible to ensure you are able to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. At the Law Office of Charles R. Gueli, our bus accident injury attorney has the insight, knowledge, and experience required to handle these complex cases and will fight diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Start your case today and contact our law office at (516) 628-6402 to request your free case review with our personal injury attorney today!