Every day, millions of people board buses to get to their destinations. Whether it is children heading to school, adults off to work, or people taking road trips, buses are one of the most common types of public and private transportation. As with any other motor vehicle, however, accidents can happen, and the sheer size of a bus, along with lack of safety restraints, means injuries from such accidents are often serious or deadly.
Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a motorist, or a pedestrian who was involved in an accident, a dedicated Geismar bus accident attorney at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers protects your rights and determines which parties are responsible for the crash. Choose Bart Bernard, Your Personal Injury Lawyer™.
Bus Accident Causes
A thorough investigation by an attorney will identify which entities caused the accident. In addition to driver error, or poor practices on the part of the bus company, bus accidents are often caused by:
- The bus manufacturer
- Other motorists
- Local jurisdiction’s failure to maintain the roadway.
Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accident injuries can be so severe that they are termed “catastrophic,” meaning the victim will never fully recover and suffers permanent impairment. Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Amputation
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Traumatic brain injury
Other common bus accident injuries may result in much time lost from work or a long stay in the hospital. Examples of such injuries include broken bones, internal organ damage, disfigurement, and soft-tissue injuries.
After a bus accident, seek medical attention at once, even if you think you walked away from the crash unscathed. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, especially in the adrenalin rush after the accident, and it is critical to document the fact that you were injured in the bus crash. Otherwise, the insurance company may allege your injuries occurred due to another event or were pre-existing.
Bus Accident Damages
Those injured in a bus accident may receive damages, or compensation. Such damages may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Special equipment and home modification
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Time is of the Essence
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana is just one year from the accident date. After that, a case cannot go forward in court. If a person died from a bus accident injury, family members have one year from the date of the death in which to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
However, if the bus was owned by any type of public entity, including a school district, the time to file a claim is even shorter, at just six months from the accident date.
Contact Geismar Bus Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know was seriously hurt in a bus accident, obtaining legal counsel as soon as possible is critical. A bus accident lawyer at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers evaluates your case and will start a prompt investigation. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We offer free consultations, so call or text us 24/7 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Hit Hard. Get Bart Bernard.™
