Bus Accidents: Helping Accident Victims Recover
Public and private bus transportation benefits every segment of society. Bus service connects people of all ages with educational, occupational, and social opportunities in their cities. Parents trust that school buses will safely transport their children to and from school. Although there are significantly fewer bus accidents than other motor vehicle collisions, they still occur regularly. Sadly, many times there are tragic results.
Bus accidents can cause significant injuries and fatalities to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who share the road every day. Whether you are on a city bus, charter bus, tour bus, double-decker bus, party bus, or an interstate motor coach, life-altering accidents can happen unexpectedly. These are high-stakes personal injury claims with complex legal considerations that require experienced legal counsel.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a bus accident, contact The Buffalo Injury Law Firm. Taking aggressive legal action can provide you with the best opportunity for compensation that will aid in the recovery and rebuilding of your life. We understand that each case is unique, requiring a personalized approach to determine each client’s best course of action.
Who is Responsible for Bus Accident Injuries?
Victims have the right to take legal action against the at-fault party in a bus accident. The liable party may be a government agency, a private bus company, a school, a third-party driver, the bus driver, or a vehicle manufacturer. At The Buffalo Injury Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate our client’s accidents to determine liability. We represent drivers, passengers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and families in bus accident lawsuits.
Throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region of New York, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) provides public bus transportation. Specific laws govern this corporation, making claims and lawsuits even more complex. If you are involved in an accident with an NFTA bus, it is critically important to seek counsel from a law firm experienced in dealing with these types of claims.
Factors Causing Bus Accidents:
- Bus driver distraction, fatigue, or inexperience
- Reckless driving such as speeding or failure to follow the rules of the road
- Failure to maintain the bus
- Design defects or mechanical failures
- Driver error
- Blind spots
- Hazardous road conditions
- Lack of safety equipment
- Negligent hiring of drivers
Common Injuries in Bus Collisions
Depending on the speed, the point of impact, and various other factors, injuries from a bus accident can be minor or deadly. Some frequently seen injuries are internal bleeding, brain injuries, burns, lacerations, spinal cord and neck injuries, amputations, disfigurement, fractures, and paralysis. Many buses do not provide seat belts to provide restraint during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What Should You Do After a Bus Accident?
It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a crash, even if you are not initially in pain. The shock of being in the accident can mask your symptoms, putting your future health in jeopardy. Medical documentation is vital when you pursue a lawsuit. Without medical documentation, your ability to receive compensation from insurance carriers is limited.
Law enforcement should be notified immediately after an accident and a police report obtained. If you are able, take photographs or videos at the accident scene to preserve evidence. Collect the contact information of those involved, including witnesses to the occurrence. It is critically important not to make any statements to another party, their attorney, or an insurance accident investigator before consulting with legal counsel. Your statements, such as admitting guilt or apologizing, may undermine your case.
We are Advocates for Safer Bus Transportation
At The Buffalo Injury Law Firm, we have an in-depth knowledge of personal injury and property damage insurance claims. Our experienced bus accident lawyers represent clients throughout New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, Erie County, and Monroe County. Our goal is to provide legal services that provide a better future for our clients. Contact The Buffalo Injury Law Firm at (716) 646-8412 to discuss your options. Let us be your voice.