What is the Average Settlement for a Bus Accident?

Generally speaking, an average bus accident settlement could range from a few thousand to several million. However, the funds available vary so much on a case-by-case basis that most lawyers focus on each client’s specific losses instead of trying to secure an “average” amount of compensation.

A number of factors, such as the seriousness of your injuries and the accident’s circumstances, will affect the amount of your settlement. An Atlanta bus accident lawyer can provide more information about the funds you qualify to receive after a crash.

Does it Matter What the Average Bus Accident Settlement Is?

While you may wonder about the average settlement for a bus crash, the specific amount necessary to cover your losses matters more after a collision. 

Each injury victim’s losses will vary. Therefore, Atlanta personal injury lawyers strive to bring each client fair compensation for their specific losses through a settlement with the insurance company, instead of an average amount of money.

How are Bus Accident Settlements Calculated?

The severity of your injuries will impact the size of your settlement, with more serious injuries typically leading to larger settlements. That said, even if your injuries are relatively minor, you shouldn’t dismiss the possibility of filing a claim.

Key considerations in estimating your bus accident settlement include:

The Severity of Your Injuries

The extent to which your injuries impact your life plays an important role in determining the settlement amount. For example, people with more serious conditions, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, often receive sizeable settlements.

The Insurance Company Evaluation

The willingness of the insurance company to cover your damages is another crucial factor. Insurance companies are in business to make money, so they try to avoid paying large amounts. They may look for ways to deny your claim or offer a lowball settlement, so you need strong legal representation.

An experienced bus accident attorney can gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to court if necessary. An attorney can also provide more information about what the average settlement for a bus accident is. 

Medical Expenses for Bus Accident Claims

An important factor in a bus accident settlement is medical expenses. These costs include medical bills you’ve already incurred and anticipated ones.

Several factors influence the settlement of medical expenses, including:

Type of Medical Care

The nature of the medical care you receive significantly affects the settlement amount. Different medical treatments and procedures may result in varying compensation amounts.

Duration of Hospital Stay

The length of your hospitalization is a critical factor. Longer hospital stays generally lead to higher settlement amounts to cover associated costs.

Transportation Expenses

Personal injury claims also factor in costs related to transportation to the hospital. Whether you used an ambulance or other means of transportation can impact the settlement.

Need for Surgery or Long-Term Care

If your injuries necessitate surgery or ongoing care, a lawyer will consider these facts when calculating your damages. In cases where more expensive treatments are required, there is an increased chance of a higher payout.

Your personal injury attorney will consider the above factors when negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company.

Lost Wages for Bus Accident Settlements

Another component of bus accident settlements is the consideration of lost wages. This damage category refers to the income you lost due to missed work days because of the accident.

You must provide previous pay stubs to substantiate your lost wages claim. These documents serve as evidence of your regular earnings per month.

Your attorney will work to secure full compensation for the wages lost during the period you were unable to work.

Property Damage and Bus Collision Settlements

An insurance settlement may give you the money you need to cover any property repairs you require after a bus crash. A skilled legal team can help you determine if you qualify for this form of compensation after a collision.

Non-Economic Losses in Your Bus Crash Settlement

In some instances, you may be eligible to seek compensation for pain and suffering resulting from your injuries.

In order to claim these damages, you must have a physical injury arising from the bus accident, and the physical pain or emotional distress you experience must be a consequence of that injury.

Calculating pain and suffering damages is a complex process that often necessitates the help of a skilled bus accident lawyer. If your pain and suffering are acknowledged, that can significantly increase your overall settlement.

Examples of pain and suffering damages include the following:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Anxiety or depression
• Inability to participate in activities you once loved
• Loss of companionship or consortium

The availability of such damages also depends on the available insurance coverage. Your attorney can provide more information about non-economic damages.

Do You Have to Settle After a Bus Crash?

Many people choose to settle with the insurance company after a bus accident. However, if the insurance company refuses to provide you with fair compensation to cover your financial losses, your lawyer may suggest filing a bus accident lawsuit.

Taking your claim to court provides you with another option to secure maximum compensation from the liable party. An experienced lawyer can help victims of bus accidents determine if filing a lawsuit represents the right choice for them. 

Talk to Us About Your Bus Accident Claim

So, what’s the average settlement for a bus accident? The average payment for these accidents varies significantly, making it essential to work with a lawyer who can bring you the funds you need to cover all your losses.

In a perfect world, every bus accident victim would effortlessly receive a settlement equal to their damages. However, the reality of the insurance claims process often falls short of covering your damages. That’s where it pays to hire an attorney.

If you have questions about the value of your bus accident claim, an experienced attorney from John Foy & Associates can evaluate your case and estimate your damages. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.