While buses are a useful transportation option, these large vehicles also represent a serious hazard on the road. Bus accidents are often more devastating than collisions between passenger vehicles. The enormous size of a bus can cause extensive damage when it collides with a smaller car.
Bus wrecks can leave you with severe injuries, medical bills, and property damage, which can be seriously detrimental to your way of life. A Waynesboro bus accident lawyer could work with you to hold the responsible party accountable for his or her actions and pursue compensation for your losses. Contact an injury attorney today to get started.
There are numerous parties that could be liable for causing a bus crash. In some situations, more than one individual will bear some responsibility. A skilled attorney could use available evidence and witness testimonies to identify potential defendants in a bus wreck case.
Most of the time, bus collisions occur due to the negligence of the bus operator. These vehicles are large and cumbersome, and a minor steering error could result in a major collision. When the bus driver is the responsible party for an accident on I-81 or a city street, he or she could face a lawsuit for the damage caused.
In addition to pursuing legal action against a bus driver, you could also hold bus companies liable in an accident. Employers face responsibility for the negligence of their employees in some circumstances. If a driver was operating within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the wreck, you could be able to pursue legal action against the employer as well as the driver.
Some bus collisions occur due to defective parts. Buses that have defective parts are more likely to be involved in an accident, even when the operator is driving in a safe manner. It could be possible to hold the manufacturer accountable if a defect led to a bus crash.
While most bus accidents occur due to driver error, some collisions result from poor road conditions. These poor conditions could result from a lack of upkeep, or they could stem from faulty road design.
There are state, local, or federal governments in charge of every stretch of roadway in Virginia. When the government fails to address dangerous road hazards, they could be the target of an injury suit following an accident.
When it comes to filing an injury claim, time is of the essence. Under Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, a person injured in a bus crash is required to file a claim within two years of the date of the accident.
Failing to file within the statute of limitations could bar you from being able to recover compensation in court. Seeking legal representation as soon as possible after a bus crash gives an attorney time to review evidence, speak with witnesses, and file all necessary paperwork within the state’s required timeframe.
The steps you take in the aftermath of a bus crash can have a profound impact on your physical and financial future. In addition to seeking necessary medical treatment right away, it is also in your best interest to speak with an attorney as early as possible to get started on your injury claim.
A Waynesboro bus accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the negligent party responsible. Call The Warren Firm today to learn more about your legal options.