Public transportation is a valuable part of life. From cross-country traveling to short commutes to get people to school and work, buses provide a necessary service to communities. These larger vehicles are thought to be safer than smaller passenger cars and trucks. However, since many don’t have seat belts and could tip over in a collision, passengers can be seriously injured if a bus accident does occur.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a bus, you can file a lawsuit to recover costs for expenses that resulted from your injuries. The law firm of Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, LLP has more than 40 years of experience defending the rights of injured people in Maryland. Call us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes for a Bus Accident
Bus accidents can happen for many reasons. Common causes of bus accidents include:
- Bus drivers swerving to avoid hitting objects
- Bus drivers braking hard to avoid hitting objects
- Distracted driving
- The bus being hit by another vehicle
- Faulty mechanical issues or parts on the bus
Bus accidents can be complicated because there might be multiple responsible parties. Determining fault is a complex issue, but it is vital in establishing the amount of compensation you may be entitled to after an accident.
Complications of Bus Accidents
There are various types of buses on the road, and the kind of accident you are in can play a role in determining your eligibility to recover damages. A bus accident lawyer from Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis can help make sure that the right parties are held accountable for your injuries.
Defendants in bus accident claims can include:
- Bus companies
- Bus drivers
- Cities that contract with mass transit companies
- School districts
- Bus and bus part manufacturers
- Third-party drivers who cause a bus accident
The tactics your attorney may take to resolve your claim will depend on your relationship with the bus at the time of the accident. Were you a passenger on the bus? Were you the driver or a passenger in a car that was hit by a bus? Were you a pedestrian or bicyclist that was involved in a bus crash?
Your involvement with the crash and other specific circumstances will play a role in determining the amount of compensation you may be able to receive.
Compensation Available for Bus Accident Victims
If your bus accident injury lawsuit is successful, you could receive compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Future living expenses
- Lost work earnings
- Emotional distress
- Lost family time
- Pain and suffering
Bus accidents can leave victims in a place where they are watching their medical bills grow while their bank accounts dwindle. People who have been hurt in a bus accident need support and help with the legal process. Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis can give you the legal advice you need to move ahead.
How can hiring an attorney help after a bus accident?
Oftentimes after an accident, an insurance adjuster will approach a victim with an offer of a quick settlement. If this happens to you, the adjuster will likely ask you to sign a waiver that requires you to give up any rights to sue for further damages. In these cases, you could be settling for far less than your case is worth.
Hiring an attorney to represent you benefits you because a lawyer can:
- Provide advice based on knowledge and experience
- Help you understand your legal options
- Thoroughly investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your claim
- Argue against any attempts to deflect blame
- Work with experts to prove fault and determine the value of your accident
- Handle negotiations with multiple parties to make sure that your best interests are represented
- Represent you in a jury trial if that becomes necessary
If you are suffering as a result of injuries from a bus accident, you may feel frightened about the future and overwhelmed by what a lawsuit might entail. A seasoned bus accident attorney can help you relax knowing that your personal injury claim is in capable hands, so you can concentrate on getting well.
Maryland Statute of Limitations for Bus Accidents
The state of Maryland sets a limit for the amount of time someone has before they can file a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations in Maryland says that a lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. If you wait more than the time allotted, you will likely lose your right to obtain a legal remedy for your injuries. Further, government entities in Maryland may have even shorter notification requirements. Contacting an attorney soon after your accident is the best way to protect your rights.
Call Today for Help with Your Bus Accident Claim
At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, we have built a reputation for fighting for the rights of our injured clients in Maryland. With over a billion dollars in settlements on behalf of our clients, we have a proven record of effective representation. Contact us today to see how we can help you.