What Is the Average Settlement for a Bus Accident?

In the aftermath of a bus accident, you may wonder about the settlement you might receive from the insurance company. While we’d like to provide a straightforward answer regarding the average settlement amount for bus accidents, the reality is more complex. Most personal injury settlement amounts are handled privately, making it difficult to come up with an accurate figure. 

Additionally, a number of factors, such as the seriousness of your injuries and the accident’s circumstances, will affect the amount of your settlement. Generally speaking, a bus accident settlement could range from a few thousand to several million. 

Contact us now to discuss your specific case with an experienced Atlanta Bus Accident Lawyer.

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.
  
• 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 typically try to avoid paying out large amounts. They may look for ways to deny your claim or offer a lowball settlement, which is why 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.

Medical Expenses in Personal Injury Claims

An important factor in a bus accident settlement is medical expenses. These costs include medical bills you’ve already incurred, along with 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 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: Costs related to transportation to the hospital are also factored in. 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, this will be considered when calculating your damages. In cases where more expensive treatments are required, there is an increased chance of a higher payout.

Your lawyer will consider the above factors when negotiating your settlement with the insurance company.

Lost Wages

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.

To substantiate your lost wages claim, you will need to provide previous pay stubs. 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.

Pain and Suffering

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 is 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.

Free Consultation Regarding Your Bus Accident Claim

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. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.