Bus passengers engage in many activities that divert their attention from the bus’s operation – reading, listening to music, texting, gaming, sleeping. When an accident occurs, they may have no idea what happened and how or why they became injured.
Augusta County bus accident lawyers are familiar with these types of crashes. Our team of hardworking attorneys has the experience to find answers to these and other questions and help hold responsible parties accountable for the harm you or your loved one suffered.
Like any collision, bus wrecks may result from numerous circumstances, but certain elements are frequent contributors to these unfortunate events:
There are a variety of people who could potentially be liable for a bus crash in the area, depending if the crash is on I-81 or a busy street, which a skilled lawyer could determine based on the facts of the case.
When looking to assign blame, the person operating the bus may seem like the most obvious culprit, but he or she may not be the only liable party. The driver’s employer, vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, and maintenance companies may also shoulder some of the responsibility.
If hazardous road conditions existed due to deteriorating roadways or dangerous construction sites, state and local bodies might have contributed to the bus accident. However, holding a government entity liable implicates Virginia’s Tort Claims Act, which imposes different rules for seeking and collecting damages. For instance, the Code of Virginia Annotated § 8.01-195.3 places a cap on the amount plaintiffs may collect for their injuries. Additionally, Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-195.7 requires injured parties to raise their allegations within one year rather than the regular two-year requirement for claims against private defendants.
Defendants often utilize many tactics to avoid paying compensation, such as shifting blame to the injured party. By working with an experienced Augusta County attorney, injured passengers may be better prepared to meet the defenses raised and collect the damages they need to move forward with their lives after a bus crash.
There are some common things for which individuals seek compensation following a public transit wreck, such as medical bills and lost wages. In addition to these items, Virginia recognizes many other financial losses worthy of reimbursement, including physical and occupational therapy, in-home health care, transportation, and more. State law also allows plaintiffs to recoup for subjective losses that affect a person’s quality of life but do not identify with a particular value, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of consortium or companionship. With guidance from a seasoned bus accident lawyer, plaintiffs in the area may better understand what they should seek in damages.
After a bus accident, passengers have little information other than their medical records. Bus wreck attorneys could investigate the scene to retrieve all relevant evidence, review company and driver records, interview witnesses, review complex medical reports, and negotiate with insurance companies. All of this work takes a great deal of time and energy, so the sooner an injured passenger consults a local attorney, the better.
Being involved in a collision with a large public bus can be traumatic, but with the help of dedicated legal professionals, you can seek the compensation you deserve. An Augusta County bus accident lawyer at our firm could ease your fears by skillfully handling your case, so you achieve a satisfactory result. Call our office today to get started.
