Bus drivers deal with many road dangers for several hours each day. There are many external hazards with the weather and poor road conditions. Additionally, there are also potential issues inside the bus like arguments between passengers, a tired driver, or one who may be sick or impaired.
Combining these factors has serious potential to result in accidents with injuries to both passengers and bystanders. The Riverdale personal injury lawyers at John Foy & Associates are here to evaluate your claim and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
When Should You Hire a Riverdale Bus Accident Lawyer?
Many bus accident victims question whether or not they need to hire a lawyer and when is the appropriate time to do so. In short, the answer is yes; you will likely need the assistance of an attorney. The ideal time to hire an attorney is shortly after the accident.
First, you want to seek medical attention, regardless of whether or not you sustain visible injuries. This can help build your bus accident claim. You want to hire a lawyer because most bus operators work closely with their insurance companies and legal departments. The operators must carry million-dollar policies and have support from aggressive lawyers.
Also, bus operators, insurance companies, and lawyers focus their attention on the bottom line, which is to pay as little as possible in an accident. It is not uncommon for victims of bus accidents to receive an undervalued settlement offer that does not cover their recoveries. A lot of the time, defendants bully the plaintiffs into signing a low-ball settlement. This is precisely where a qualified John Foy & Associates Riverdale bus accident lawyer can help.
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Types of Compensation Available After a Bus Accident in Riverdale
If you are still unsure if you need to hire a bus accident attorney after engaging in a collision, the answer should be easy. If you experience pain, difficulty returning to work, or have a loved one suffering from catastrophic injuries from a bus crash, the answer is yes. It would help if you had a lawyer. It should be pretty clear that you can benefit from legal help. Our bus accident lawyers in Riverdale will not only assist you in seeking justice for all of your losses, but they also help you recover compensation for various damages as a result of the accident.
You may suffer from minor or major injuries; either way, though, you may have the right to receive compensation to pay for:
- Any medical care you need or already have
- The income you would receive if you did not suffer injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Whenever an individual trusts a bus driver or company to get them from one destination to the next safely, and they fail to do that, that individual has the right to pursue damages. In legal terms, damages are compensation available to victims for their losses and any harm they endure. If you are in an accident while riding a bus but another driver is at fault, you may have a case against them instead.
A bus accident injury varies as either soft tissue injuries, whiplash, fractures, head injuries, or cuts and lacerations. If you suffer any of these injuries or others, and you would like to find out if you qualify for recovering compensation, John Foy & Associates lawyers are here for you. We can answer any questions you may have and address any concerns.
How a Bus Accident Claim Works
If, for example, you are in an accident while riding a city-owned bus and it is the driver’s fault, you will have to file a Notice of Claim with the city, government, or entity during a specified time frame. This window varies depending on the respective city and government. Sometimes victims have only 30 days to file a claim.
However, the common carrier law may apply in public transportation accident cases. This law is a term for a person or business that provides transportation services. Common carriers owe you a higher degree of care than a private person or company. Victims still have to prove that the entity’s actions result from negligence. The law holds these people or businesses to a higher standard than private citizens.
Common Bus Accident Cases We Handle
There are three common bus accident cases we handle at John Foy & Associates. They are in regards to the driver, pedestrian, or passenger.
Drivers in a bus accident may experience trauma and life-threatening injuries. Other drivers often suffer injuries and significant damage to property from a collision with a bus. We advise you to contact us if you or a loved one sustains injuries in a bus accident.
Pedestrians who are in a bus accident can suffer life-altering consequences. A bus operator’s negligence that causes the accident can result in compensation for the victim. Again, seek medical attention immediately and document injuries and treatments for an attorney to build your case.
Passengers in a bus accident should seek legal advice and representation for compensation. Common causes for bus accidents include reckless or impaired driving, unsafe bus or equipment conditions, and operator error.
Bus Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 9,400 school buses and public transit buses were involved in fatal accidents between 1975 and 2019. There were 258 people killed in bus accidents nationwide in 2019. Bus accidents can change your life or the life of your family in an instant. Let a Riverdale bus accident lawyer represent you in a claim.
Contact a Riverdale Bus Accident Attorney at John Foy & Associates
John Foy & Associates commits to helping victims recover compensation and return to their everyday lives. We fight for our rights and stop at nothing until we get them. If you are in a bus accident, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our bus accident attorneys in Riverdale are available to discuss your case, offer legal advice, and start building your claim. Call our office to speak with one of our bus accident lawyers at your convenience. All initial consultations are free.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form