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Millions of people depend on buses every day for safe transport to and from work, school, and for long distance travel. While bus accidents are less frequent than other auto accidents, when accidents do occur, the resulting injuries can be more severe than those suffered in a car accident. These severe accidents can include public transportation buses, shuttle buses, school buses, and private charter buses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, it is important to seek the help of an experienced bus accident lawyer who can fight for your rights and help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
Buses are higher than standard passenger vehicles and therefore more prone to roll-over accidents. This, combined with the fact that many buses lack safety features such as seat belts, means that passengers involved in a wreck can sustain serious injury. They may also be walking or standing at the time the accident occurs, subjecting them to being thrown about the vehicle.
Injuries suffered in a bus accident may include:
Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Neck injuries such as sprains and strains, or herniated discs
Back injuries
Broken bones
Spinal cord injuries
Emotional distress
Wrongful death
Certain injuries appear only after the day of the accident as the shock and endorphins of the incident wear off. For example, whiplash may not be felt right away, but depending on the severity of the case, a whiplash sufferer may have trouble executing the most common tasks at work and home. Delayed symptoms to look for include:
Headaches or dizziness
Stiffness in the upper body
Slowed reflexes or difficulty moving
Areas of numbness or weakness
Concussions may not be initially diagnosed at the time of an accident. Symptoms of concussion may include:
Headaches and nausea
Balance problems
Difficulty concentrating
Vision problems such as blurring or trouble focusing
Confusion or disorientation
Anxiety or irritability
Several different factors may be the cause of a bus accident, some common examples include:
Faulty equipment or poor bus maintenance
Human error on the part of the bus driver, including distracted driving, drowsy driving, and substance abuse
Overloaded or improperly loaded buses
Inadequate screening of bus drivers or inadequate driver training
The laws governing fault in a bus accident are very different than those of regular motor vehicle accidents. These types of cases are complex and may involve multiple liable parties. Those who have been injured in a bus accident should seek the counsel of an experienced Delaware bus accident lawyer.
Passengers hurt in a bus accident caused by negligent driving on the part of another driver may have a third-party claim against that driver. If the bus crashes due to faulty maintenance, the maintenance company may be liable, while a poorly trained driver would leave responsibility to the bus company. However, many buses are owned and operated by cities or school districts and because they are government entities, different rules apply when filing for a claim for injuries sustained in the accident. The time restrictions for filing a bus injury claim are limited and once the window of opportunity has been missed or if the claim is not properly filed, the law bars any attempt to recover damages.
Additionally, passengers injured in a bus accident may be able to pursue a claim based on what is known as common carrier law. A common carrier is any person or business engaged in public transport such as buses, trains, taxis, and trolleys. Under common carrier law, such entities are held to a higher standard of care for their occupants. In other words, the public transportation entity must provide a higher standard of care for the passengers than the average driver would have to provide. An injured passenger must be able to prove that the company was negligent to receive financial compensation.
If you are involved in a bus accident, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Even if you think you are without injury, a medical professional should evaluate your condition and document it in the event any severe injuries do arise from the accident. If you decide to make a claim you will need to provide any relevant medical bills and records.
Injuries from bus accidents may be severe and have lasting effects that can impact your ability to work and provide for yourself. A successful bus accident claim for compensation for the injuries caused may include some or all of the following:
Payments for lost wages, including loss of future earning potential
Compensation for medical expenses, including future medical care
Compensation for pain and suffering
Bus companies and their insurance providers have a team of defense lawyers who will vigorously defend the company. For this reason, it is important for an injured passenger to obtain legal representation from a qualified accident lawyer with experience in handling these complex cases. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complicated legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bus accident, contact an experienced and compassionate bus accident lawyer at Rhoades & Morrow today for a free consultation. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, call us now at (302) 427-9500 to schedule your free consultation.
The experienced Delaware bus accident attorneys at Rhoades & Morrow can help you recover compensation for your injuries if you have been injured in a bus accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact us online or call (302) 427-9500 to schedule a free case evaluation about your case. We represent personal injury victims in upstate and downstate Delaware.
