Bus drivers, like truck drivers, take on a significant degree of responsibility when they take to the road. Not only do these drivers have to steer a difficult-to-maintain vehicle, but they also have to account for the behavior of those passengers on their buses. As such, bus drivers are more likely to find themselves involved in accidents than the average passenger vehicle.
Even so, all of those distractions do not clear a bus driver from responsibility for such an accident. If you experienced a crash with a bus, you can gauge your losses and the scene itself to determine whether or not you can take legal action.
You can work with a Durham bus accident lawyer to determine what the cause of the bus accident you suffered from was and how that cause may change your approach to a civil case. The team with Ben Crump Law, PLLC can walk you through the legal hoops and help you better understand what your rights are after such an accident. Together, you can determine to what compensation you may be entitled and how best you can go about negotiating for such a settlement.
To reach out and start discussing your case with the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, you can call (800)-921-7227.
A Durham Bus Accident Lawyer Can Represent You
There is more than one way to fight for compensation after a bus accident in North Carolina. For example, if you would rather keep your negotiations for compensation outside of the courtroom, you have the opportunity to do so.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Durham, call 800-921-7227
Causes of Bus Accidents
To get started, you can work with a Durham bus accident lawyer to determine whether or not your accident and losses meet state requirements that would allow you to bring your case to court.
Much of that opportunity depends on the cause of the accident in question. The most common causes behind bus accidents can include but are not limited to:
- Failure to signal or improper turning while on the road
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Rollovers
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while distracted by passengers or handheld devices
- Poor bus maintenance
- Equipment failure on the bus
- Operator error
- Errors committed on the parts of other drivers on the road
Note that willfully ignoring roadway signs constitutes a failure of duty of care just as much as distracted driving does. A bus driver who fails the duty of care she must provide to her passengers can be held liable for your losses both in court and in a one-on-one negotiation.
Durham Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-921-7227
Determining How You Want to Pursue Compensation
Provided that your case does include a violated duty of care and liability on the part of a bus driver, you can choose to pursue compensation in one of two ways: by writing a demand letter or by taking the case to civil court.
Demand Letters
You can work with a Durham bus accident lawyer to draw together a demand letter. This type of legal document allows you to express your losses and evidence of liability to the party you believe to be responsible for your damages. Should the document be well-received, you then have the opportunity to discuss your aforementioned compensation estimate with that party.
Legal Complaints
Should the party you wish to hold liable for your losses fail to reach out, however, or otherwise refuse to acknowledge their role in your accident, these types of negotiations may not work. As such, you can focus on filing a lawsuit with a local court. You have the opportunity to explain to a judge how your accident occurred, what losses you took on, and why you believe that the party you name therein may be responsible for said losses. You can also take the time to estimate your potential compensation. Should a judge look over your complaint and wish to bring your case to court, the professionals serving your local court can summon the potentially-liable party forward on your behalf.
It is important to note, though, that you must submit a complaint to a court in your area within North Carolina’s statute of limitations. Depending on your losses in a bus accident, you generally have three years to file, according to North Carolina General Statutes § 1-52. The good news is that a Durham bus accident lawyer can help you bring together what information you may need and act on it accordingly.
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What to Do if You Receive a Settlement Offer
Do note, though, that bus drivers often work for the city or for private parent companies. Depending on what kind of bus you get into an accident with, you may find yourself receiving settlement offers either from an independent institution or from Durham itself. In these cases, you can take the time to bring an offered settlement to a Durham bus accident lawyer and look it over. This way, you can determine whether or not it addresses all of your losses. Should the settlement appear insufficient, you can rely on a Durham bus accident lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.
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Benefits of Working with a Law Firm that Operates on Contingency
The team with Ben Crump Law, PLLC knows how challenging it can be to try and take on a legal fight while you are recovering from a bus accident. That is why the firm operates on contingency. Firms that work on contingency do not request payment for the services that you may benefit from while your case is still in session. Instead, you will only receive a bill for these services if a court awards you compensation or you accept a settlement after one-on-one negotiations.
Let Us Take Care of the Legal Aspects of Your Case
Recovering from a bus accident can take a significant amount of time, especially if you have suffered an injury. The team with Ben Crump Law, PLLC knows how complicated it can be to take on a legal fight in this state, but the team never backs down from a challenge.
With help from a Durham bus accident lawyer, you can determine to what compensation you may be entitled and how best you can negotiate for said compensation. This way, you can look to the future with hope for a smooth recovery.
If you wish to fight for compensation after a roadway accident with a bus, you can reach out to the team with Ben Crump Law, PLLC to discuss your case. You can reach us by calling (800)-921-7227.
Call or text 800-921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
