Whether you take a public transit bus or your children take the bus to get to school, you do not expect a bus accident to happen. Bus accidents are one of those unfortunate accidents that could have been prevented. Because other parties are responsible for the operation and maintenance of buses, it may be difficult to fight for the compensation you deserve for your bus accident.
However, it is worth it. If you want to ensure that the right parties are held accountable for your accident, reach out to a Grayson bus accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates.
Types of Bus Accidents
Many types of bus accidents can happen. Some accidents include accidents between cars and buses, accidents with motorcycles, accidents with pedestrians, accidents between two buses, and more.
Accidents Between Cars and Buses
One of the most common accidents involves a bus and another car driver. These accidents happen when either the bus driver or the car driver acts recklessly. Car drivers can create this type of accident when they try to pass the bus or cut the bus driver off the road.
Accidents Between Motorcycles and Buses
It is difficult for many drivers to notice motorcycle riders because of their size. When bus drivers are distracted or just not paying attention to the flow of traffic, motorcycle riders can try to pass a bus and end up hitting or being hit by the bus.
Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Buses
Another vulnerable party on the roads is pedestrians. Pedestrians can get seriously hurt when they run across the street and attempt to catch the bus. Even if pedestrians are not trying to catch the bus, they can get seriously injured when a bus driver fails to yield the right way. Children, in particular, can become seriously hurt if bus drivers fail to see them crossing the street and hit them.
Accidents Between Two Buses
While it is rare, another bus can get involved in an accident with another bus. It is not uncommon for buses traveling in the same or opposite direction to hit one another.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Just like cars and trucks, buses need to be properly maintained. The more a school or transit bus travels on the road, the more the vehicle parts will wear and tear. If the bus parts are not properly inspected and maintained, it can increase the risks of a bus accident.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Car drivers, truck drivers, and motorcycle riders can place themselves and others at risk when they fail to follow the required traffic laws. Every driver within six feet of a school bus must come to a complete stop when the bus stops and drops children off. If a driver continues to drive or tries to pass the bus, they can seriously hurt the children.
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Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents
In addition to the drivers, the passengers on the bus are the main parties who will suffer serious injuries. Bus passengers can suffer head injuries, neck injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
Most of these injuries are serious and have a small chance of recovery. That means that it is a greater chance that you will have to learn how to deal with your injuries instead of moving forward.
Your Legal Options Following a Bus Accident
When you have been seriously hurt in a bus accident, your accident will cause you to experience significant damage. If your injuries are severe, you can expect to pay no less than a million dollars in medical services alone. While you may have to pay out of pocket for your damages, for the time being, you can be compensated by filing a lawsuit.
Filing a lawsuit will allow you to seek compensation from the parties who caused your injuries in the first place. A majority of bus accident lawsuits usually end in a settlement.
Possible Obstacles
Of course, there are many obstacles that you can face while fighting for your compensation. One of the main obstacles is pleading your case against the insurance companies. Whether it is the bus driver’s insurance company or another car driver’s insurance company, the insurance adjusters will use different tactics to prevent their clients from accepting liability. Another obstacle is the legal protection that some buses call sovereign immunity.
Sovereign Immunity
If you were seriously hurt on a public transit bus, chances are that a government agency operates the bus. Government agencies are protected through sovereign immunity, which requires a party to request the government agency’s consent in future legal action. That means you do not have the right to sue the government over a disagreement.
You must seek permission to sue the government agency and have their approval before proceeding. In addition to seeking permission to sue, you would be required to file a lawsuit within a shorter time.
What a Grayson Bus Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Filing a lawsuit for a bus accident can be complex. That is why you need a bus accident lawyer in Grayson on your side. Whether you are used to the legal process or not, a Grayson bus accident lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.
The insurance adjusters can take advantage of you by offering a low settlement offer and expecting you to accept it. The parties responsible for your accident may have different legal resources that they can use against you. A Grayson bus accident lawyer can protect you against the other party’s legal resources and build the most credible case for you.
Speak with Our Grayson Bus Accident Attorneys Today
With your bus accident, preparation is key. You want to ensure you are best prepared to fight for your compensation. Having the right bus accident attorney in Grayson on your side can help you feel more confident in your ability to win your case.
Call the office of John Foy & Associates, or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form