Bus carrier systems can be a popular and affordable way to commute, but they also contribute to thousands of injury crashes every year. If you were injured in a bus accident, you could be dealing with many stresses that were caused because of someone else.
Our Duluth personal injury lawyers are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve so you can deal with the result the accident has had on your life. Kaine Law can handle your personal injury case from start to finish.
When Should I Contact a Duluth Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer as soon after the accident as possible is beneficial. Your attorney needs time to gather evidence, go to the scene if possible, talk with witnesses and negotiate a settlement.
According to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Although, if your injury happened on a bus owned and operated by the city of Duluth, you only have six months, according to O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5.
The longer you wait to reach out to an attorney, the more difficult it can become later on to have sufficient evidence to support your claim. If the statute of limitations is not met, you lose the ability to file a lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accident lawyer serving Duluth, call 404-214-2001
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
There are regulations and guidelines put into place to help keep drivers and others safe, but accidents can still happen. According to the latest data, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports there have been 14,000 people injured in bus crashes per year. Common causes of bus accidents can result from:
- Bus Driver Errors. Fatigue, drug use, and errors made by drivers can cause accidents. Driver decisions can put passengers and others on the road in danger if they violate traffic and safety laws, such as speeding or driving distracted. Driver actions can lead to buses tipping over on their side, rolling over, or catapulting a bus over the edge of the road causing serious injuries or fatal outcomes.
- Bus Company Errors. If a company does not adequately train its drivers or properly screen them for employment, they are putting others at risk. Companies that do not properly maintain their buses and equipment or overload or improperly load the buses can also lead to accidents.
Types of Bus Accidents
There are different types of buses which can be categorized as:
- City
- Transit
- School
- Charter
- Shuttle/Private
Each type of bus can have its own set of factors that can lead to accidents and injuries. Whether you are a passenger in a large, mini, or school bus, limousine, or van, the FMCSA suggests you should always check the company’s registration and insurance status to verify the company is allowed to operate before riding.
Common Injuries as a Result of a Bus Accident
Injuries caused by bus accidents can range in seriousness and typically fall into two categories: impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries are typically injuries when a person’s body hits a part of the interior of the vehicle, such as a head hitting the window. Penetrating injuries are cuts and scrapes caused by glass or other loose objects flying inside the vehicle. Common injuries from a bus accident are:
- Soft tissue injuries. Damage to your body’s connective tissue, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash can also be a form of soft tissue injury, according to Mayo Clinic.
- Cuts and scrapes. If items in the bus like cell phones, purses, books, glasses, and cups hit your body, they can easily cut your skin or cause bruising.
- Head injuries. The severity of your injury can range from a minor cut to severe brain damage. Head injuries are the most common cause of disability and death in adults, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Chest, arm, and leg injuries. When your body is thrown around during an accident, it can result in bruising, sprained, or even broken bones.
Some injuries may show up directly after the accident, while other injuries may not. It could take days, weeks, or even months for symptoms to appear. Regardless of how you may feel after an accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away.
Duluth Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
Proving Negligence Was the Cause of Your Bus Accident
When you choose an attorney from Kaine Law, we use the information we gather during the investigation to strengthen your claim. We work to hold the liable party accountable for your injuries and the way the accident has changed your life.
Establish Duty of Care
We first have to demonstrate the bus driver and bus company have an obligation or duty of care to ensure they are taking actions to avoid injuring others or putting them in dangerous situations. The law requires drivers to use reasonable caution in all elements of operating a vehicle.
Actions That Led To a Breach of Duty
Using discoveries found during the investigation, we use that information to prove the bus driver or bus company was careless and disregarded their duty of care. Examples of expected safe actions of a driver include:
- Stopping at stop lights and stop signs
- Following the speed limit
- Following the vehicle in front of them at a safe distance
Causation
We then must prove the actions or inactions of the bus driver or bus company were the direct cause of your injuries.
You Suffered Losses as a Result of the Accident
Once we have proved negligence, you are entitled to compensation for medical bills from the care you needed because of your injuries. Lost income or reduced earning capacity because the accident has changed your ability to work, as well as pain and suffering from the accident mentally and physically.
Your specific compensation is based on the details of your accident. We will evaluate your losses to determine the amount of compensation you should receive.
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Work With a Duluth Bus Accident Attorney That Cares About Their Clients
If you have been injured in a bus accident, a lawyer from Kaine Law can take care of the legal responsibilities while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Don’t let the fear of paying legal fees stand in your way of receiving the compensation you need; we don’t get paid until you do. Rest assured you won’t pay anything upfront for our services, so contact us today for your free consultation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
