Buses provide a vital service to thousands of people who depend on public transportation to get to and from work, visit family, and navigate the city. The dangers associated with public transportation do not occur to most. While not as common as automobile accidents, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) reported 1,578 bus accidents in 2018 alone.
Given the number of people involved, the consequences of bus accidents can be catastrophic and often involve dozens of injured parties. Fatalities are not unheard of. Successfully proving liability in bus accident cases can be complicated, and a personal injury lawyer can often prove invaluable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Kentucky bus accident, a Louisville bus accident lawyer can work to identify the negligent parties and fight for the financial compensation you and your family deserve. Call (800) 921-7227 for a risk-free, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today. We work on a contingency basis, and there is no fee unless you win a settlement.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines a bus as any motor vehicle designed to transport nine or more people (including the driver). Between 2008 and 2018, 12 percent of buses involved in fatal accidents were intercity buses. School bus and transit bus accidents were responsible for 75 percent of fatal accidents involving buses.
The immediate aftermath of a bus accident can be chaotic and confusing, especially when children are involved in accidents involving school buses. Victims may feel unsure of their rights, overwhelmed by the paperwork involved, and intimidated by the prospect of communicating with insurance companies.
After a bus accident, you should seek medical attention. Injuries suffered in a bus accident can range from superficial lacerations to broken bones and paralysis. Even if your injury was not severe enough to require ambulatory services and an immediate visit to the local emergency room, seeking out medical care is critical, both to your health and to your personal injury claim.
After being seen by a doctor and documenting your physical injuries, call a Louisville bus accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC who can act as your guide and advocate for you and your family as you consider your options and decide whether to bring a personal injury claim against the liable parties. If necessary, a personal injury lawyer can litigate in court on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Louisville, call (800) 921-7227
Establishing Liability in a Bus Accident
According to the FMCSA, the most common reasons for bus accidents include pedestrian interference, reckless driving, the use of bus-only lanes by other motor vehicles, poorly vetted and trained bus drivers, and faulty parts or subpar bus maintenance.
Your personal injury claim rests on establishing liability and proving negligence. Understanding the how and why of the accident is critical in identifying the legally responsible parties and establishing whether the involved parties owe you financial compensation for your physical or emotional injuries.
The fact that many factors and parties are involved in most bus accidents, combined with the number of people injured in an accident, can make establishing liability challenging. A personal injury lawyer can sort through the facts of the accident and identify possible responsible parties to compensate you for your injuries. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The bus driver
- Any other negligent motorist involved in the collision
- The bus company and/or companies responsible for the hiring of drivers
- Manufacturers of bus parts
A Louisville bus accident lawyer can help you understand the many factors involved.
Louisville Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 921-7227
Consult with a Louisville Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, having a Louisville bus accident lawyer on your side can prove invaluable. A personal injury lawyer can assess the details of the accident to help focus on liable parties, establish negligence, document any injuries resulting from that negligence, determine damages that may be owed, and gather the evidence needed to bring a personal injury claim to court.
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An Attorney Can Help in a Bus Accident Case
After your attorney has identified who may be the liable party in your bus accident case, the next step is to seek compensation for your losses. These may include:
- Medical bills associated with the accident. These can include ambulance transportation, doctor visits, specialist consultations, medication, and physical or occupational therapy.
- Lost wages resulting from an inability to work in any capacity or an inability to work in the same capacity as before the accident. If your career has been negatively affected as a result of the accident, damages may be owed.
- Emotional pain and suffering that can include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A Louisville bus accident lawyer will handle communication with insurance companies, act as a go-between with bus companies, identify and interview eyewitnesses, and work with authorities responsible for generating accident reports. Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 304.39-230(6) states that an individual has up to two years from the time of injury or death to file a personal injury or death claim. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim before the statute of limitations for claims expires.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident, we understand the physical and emotional trauma involved, and our Louisville bus accident lawyers are here to help. Call (800) 921-7227 to speak with a bus accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC for help understanding your options.
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