Statistically, riding on a bus is safer than traveling in an automobile. That fact does not mean much if you or a family member were seriously hurt in a bus accident. Victims often suffer severe or catastrophic injuries. That means intensive medical treatment, weeks or months lost from work, bills piling up, and other stresses while you are trying to recover.
An Abbeville bus accident attorney at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers protects your rights and can help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the collision and hold the responsible parties liable.
You’re Smart. Get Bart.™
Bus accident liability
While bus drivers are often liable for the accident, especially if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or driving while distracted, other entities are frequently responsible for the crash. These may include:
- Bus companies– Buses carrying members of the public require strict maintenance, but some bus companies cut corners or delay routine maintenance to avoid losing money. Every bus has a passenger capacity limit, but many companies do not enforce this regulation. An overloaded, overcrowded bus is more likely to experience an accident, with many occupants hurt.
- Government agencies– School buses and other buses owned and operated by government agencies must also adhere to strict safety and maintenance standards.
- Maintenance companies– Improper maintenance or allowing a bus to pass inspection can result in liability for these service providers.
- Manufacturers– Bus accidents may happen due to a defect in the vehicle itself or its parts.
- Other drivers– Bus accidents do not occur in a vacuum. Many times, another motorist is at-fault for the collision, just as they are in any accident.
Act Quickly
Because of Louisiana’s exceptionally short statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits– just one year from the date of the accident– seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is critical. If the bus was owned and operated by a government agency, there is even less time available– just six months after the accident.
Winning a lawsuit requires significant documentation, and your attorney must get started on this right away before potential evidence is lost.
Bus Accident Damages
Compensation for a bus accident may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Lost wages
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Contact our team of Abbeville bus accident lawyers
If a bus accident due to another party’s recklessness or negligence causes serious injuries to you or a loved one, a Bart Bernard bus accident lawyer is available to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case by calling 24/7 or contacting us online. Since we are paid on a contingency basis, there is never a fee unless we win. While most cases are settled, we will take your case to trial if needed.
