Bus accidents are particularly dangerous for anyone involved and usually lead to serious injuries and vehicle damage. Because of the impact that a bus accident can have on your life, there is a significant chance that you will want to file a lawsuit against the bus driver or the company that owns the bus. Under civil law, you have the right to do this and it is not uncommon after serious bus accidents.
There are several factors to consider before deciding to take legal action. The lawyer you choose to help you through the legal process can have a big impact on the outcome. You want to choose a lawyer that has experience with similar cases. This is especially true if you believe an insurance company will be involved since your lawyer will need to negotiate a settlement with them, according to the Utah Insurance Department.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident, start the legal process by discussing your case with a Salt Lake City bus accident lawyer. Call the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (800) 921-7227 for a free consultation about your case.
Statute of Limitations
Deciding to sue after a bus accident can take some time for most victims. It is a big decision, which most people want to think about before taking action. There is nothing wrong with taking some time to think the situation through, but be aware that there is a limited amount of time for you to file your lawsuit.
Every state has a statute of limitations, designed to motivate victims to take legal action in a reasonable amount of time. The longer the wait before taking action, the harder it is to find evidence or witnesses to build a solid case. The statute also stops people who may be held liable for damages from having to wait an exceedingly long amount of time to move on with their lives.
According to Utah Code §78B-2-307, you have four years to file any claims for personal injury expenses. You only have three years to file any claims for property damage expenses. If you miss these deadlines, your case may be thrown out on a technicality. Do not miss your opportunity to collect financial restitution from the other party by waiting too long to start your lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Salt Lake City, call (800) 921-7227
Determining Liability
Liability means that someone or some entity (like a business or a government) should be held financially responsible for injuries and damages that they cause. Your case can change substantially based on potential liability.
Getting into an accident with a city vehicle may or may not make the city liable for the damages. It depends on if the city showed some kind of negligence that led to the accident. For example, city buses must be maintained by the city in order to function properly. If the city missed periodic maintenance, mechanical problems can arise that may lead to accidents. If this is the case, then the city may be held liable for an accident.
A lawyer investigates the situation to determine who is liable, which will influence how the lawsuit is filed. City governments tend to have specific systems in place for filing lawsuits or disputes with government agencies. A lawyer can help you navigate this process and claim financial compensation for your expenses.
Not all buses are owned by cities; a large number of them are owned by private companies. If your accident is caused by a privately-owned bus, the company that owns the bus may be held liable for the damages. It is similar to how an accident with the city bus would work in that the company must be somehow negligent for liability to apply. However, most bus companies are covered by liability insurance programs. Whether the accident was caused by the driver or the company, there is a high chance that an insurance company will be involved.
Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful since they are notorious for trying to minimize payouts to victims. There are specific steps you should take to protect your interests in the case. A Salt Lake City bus accident lawyer can help by working with your insurance company as well as the other party’s insurance company.
Salt Lake City Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 921-7227
Common Costs of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can lead to a large number of expenses that victims have to deal with, including:
- Emergency medical expenses: Going to the emergency room by ambulance is common practice after an accident. The cost of that ambulance and the care you receive in the hospital can be expensive since they are under emergency circumstances.
- Car repairs or replacement costs: Your car likely has significant damage that needs to be repaired, or your car may need to be replaced. Your insurance company may help with this but may not offer enough compensation. Filing a lawsuit can help resolve this problem.
- Lost wages: If you have to miss work for a period of time after your accident, you may not be paid for that time. You can claim lost wages in a lawsuit to help get your monthly finances back on track.
- Recurring medical care: There are cases where accident victims develop disabilities or other conditions that require ongoing medical care. This can include physical therapy or in-home nursing due to a disability.
There may be other common expenses that are not covered on this list. Whatever your expenses are after the accident, you should be able to file claims for all of them based on the different statutes that apply. Work with your lawyer to identify as many claims as possible to ensure that you get enough compensation to fix your finances.
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Contact Us to Schedule a No-Risk Consultation
After a bus accident, one of the last things you want to think about is taking legal action. The prospect of going through a lawsuit can be overwhelming, but it may be in your best interest to do so if you have extensive expenses that you need help with. To determine if you have a viable case, speak with a Salt Lake City bus accident lawyer to see what your legal options are. You can contact the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (800) 921-7227 today to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.
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