The aftermath of a bus accident is not just about recovering from any injuries you may have suffered in the accident, but it is also about getting your life back on track. You may have to navigate challenges related to time off work, property damage, and emotional suffering. You do not have to face these challenges alone. If you have suffered a bus accident in Buffalo, NY, allow our bus accident attorneys at Mazzu Law to offer you legal guidance and representation.
Understanding Bus Accident Claims
Bus accidents, including commercial and school bus accidents, are often more complex than auto accidents. Not only is there a more significant potential for serious injuries, but establishing liability can also be more challenging. If you file an insurance claim to recover compensation, you have to submit proof of who was at fault and the resulting damage you suffered as a direct cause of the negligence or wrongdoing.
In most cases, bus accident claims involve going up against a public service company that operates the bus. This brings some new challenges. Public service companies are often backed by government entities, which means they have extensive legal resources and experience in handling claims. They might have more stringent protocols and defenses to protect themselves from liability.
Another challenge is dealing with layers of bureaucracy. You often need to juggle various departments and officials, which can slow things down. That is why having a seasoned lawyer can be hugely beneficial. At Mazzu Law, PLLC, we have tackled these issues before and know how to get results.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents and Legal Implications
One of the first questions that comes to mind when we think about bus accidents is who was at fault. Multiple parties could be at fault for such accidents. Many bus accidents occur due to the driver’s carelessness. Distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, and driving while fatigued are just some examples of a bus driver’s negligence that can result in accidents. In some cases, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications can cause serious bus accidents.
Bus drivers are responsible for transporting passengers and handling large commercial vehicles, so they have more significant legal obligations than regular motorists. When they mess up or break traffic rules, the stakes are higher. They need to be held responsible for the accidents they cause. However, it is not always the bus drivers’ fault.
Bus companies’ negligence, such as not keeping their fleet in good working condition or inadequate training, can also result in accidents. Other common causes include harsh weather conditions, which can often be the case in Buffalo, NY. The city gets plenty of snow every year, making it hazardous to drive on slippery roads. Road conditions and reduced visibility caused by rain or fog can also be contributing factors.
The road conditions in Buffalo, NY, can also significantly contribute to accidents. Potholes, poorly maintained streets, and construction zones all create tricky driving environments for buses. Combine that with bad weather, and the risk of accidents increases.
Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents often lead to serious injuries like whiplash, head and spinal injuries, broken bones, and cuts. Whiplash happens when the neck snaps back and forth suddenly, while head injuries can come from hitting objects or being shaken. Such injuries may have delayed the onset of symptoms, so you may not feel pain or stiffness until a few hours or the next day after the accident.
Spinal injuries are common and can result in temporary or permanent disability, including paralysis. Broken bones and cuts are frequent due to the impact and shattered glass. Internal injuries like ruptured spleens and internal bleeding are severe and complex to detect. Always see a doctor and keep all injury reports for your personal injury claim to ensure you get proper compensation.
What Makes Bus Accidents So Dangerous?
A primary reason bus accidents are dangerous is their sheer size and weight. Even a minor collision with a large and heavy vehicle can have devastating consequences, especially for those in smaller vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Bus accidents are also dangerous for passengers. Unlike cars, many buses do not have seat belts or other safety features to protect passengers during an accident. This lack of restraint can lead to passengers being thrown around or ejected from the bus. The high center of gravity of buses means that they are at an increased risk of rollover accidents, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
If multiple people get injured in an accident, the emergency response can be overwhelmed. This can result in delays in getting emergency assistance. Victims might also get stuck in the chaos, waiting longer for medical care or being trapped in the bus or vehicles. This can exacerbate their injuries and complicate the situation further.
Legal Processes Involved in Bus Accident Cases
As a victim of a bus accident, you may have different legal options to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your losses. The first step is to have an initial consultation with a Buffalo bus accident attorney to understand your options and determine if your case is strong enough to pursue. The lawyer will ask questions to understand the specifics of your situation and explain the legal options available to you. If you choose to move forward, the lawyer will start a more in-depth investigation to gather evidence.
The most commonly used evidence in bus accident cases includes police accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and medical records. However, depending on the specifics of your case, other types of evidence may also be helpful. The attorney may also be able to engage experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts, to support your claim.
The legal process requires you to identify the liable parties. This may include the bus company, maintenance contractors, the manufacturer of the bus or its parts, and several other parties. Your bus accident lawyer in Buffalo will identify all potentially liable parties to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available.
Once you have solid evidence and have established liability, you can file a claim against the responsible parties. This involves drafting a demand letter that outlines the facts of the case and the compensation you are seeking. The demand letter sets the stage for negotiations with the insurance companies and other involved parties.
Most bus accident claims get resolved through negotiations, however, this does not mean that you take it lightly. In bus accident cases, you will most likely be going up against powerful entities such as public transit companies or government bodies. These organizations have experienced legal teams and insurance companies ready to minimize payouts. Having a skilled attorney on your side through the negotiations is helpful as they can ensure you do not fall for any of the tactics employed by the insurance company to minimize their payout.
The primary benefits of settling the case out of court are that you get a faster resolution to the dispute and avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial. However, if you believe that you are not getting full and fair compensation for your losses, you can choose to pursue the case in court. It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of this decision.
If the case moves to litigation, it can be an opportunity to present your case thoroughly and potentially receive the compensation you deserve. This stage requires thorough preparation, including gathering extensive evidence, expert testimonies, and possibly attending multiple court sessions. While it can be daunting, this route can lead to a more favorable outcome if you have a strong case.
Types Of Compensation Available For Bus Accident Victims
When a bus accident occurs, the path to recovery can be long and complex, involving various forms of compensation to help victims rebuild their lives. Here is an overview of the different types of compensation available:
Medical Bills
You can seek to cover all your immediate and future medical expenses, including costs for medication, surgeries, physical therapy, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. You will most likely only be able to recover medical expenses that are necessary to make you “whole” again. This means that only those medical treatments and services deemed essential and directly related to your recovery from the accident will be eligible for compensation.
Lost Wages
The injuries or disruption to your life caused by the bus accident can cause you to take time off work. Even worse, if you suffer more serious injuries or disabilities, you may have to deal with long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work altogether. This can lead to a significant loss of income and financial instability. Ensuring you receive fair compensation for these losses is critical to maintaining your quality of life after such a traumatic event.
Property Damage
If you were driving a car that hit the bus, you could suffer from property damages, such as the need to repair or replace the vehicle. In addition, your personal belongings may also get damaged in the bus collision.
Home Modification Costs
Home modification may be required if you suffered long-term injuries in the bus accident. This may include installing ramps, adding grab bars, installing non-slip flooring, widening doorways, and other modifications that can add to the expenses. You have the right to seek compensation for such changes to your home as a result of the bus accident.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the financially tangible costs, victims may suffer from pain and suffering, such as depression, stress, and anxiety. Bus accidents can be traumatic experiences that lead to significant psychological impacts. While mental health issues caused by the bus accident may not be as easy to recognize or prove, they have a substantial effect on the daily lives of the victims.
Legal Aid For Bus Accidents in Buffalo
Dealing with the aftermath of a bus accident can be a maze of stress and uncertainty. Allow us to assist you through the legal process. At Mazzu Law, we understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we are dedicated to providing the personalized support you need. While our team prepares a strong case to get you justice, you can focus on recovering from the accident and getting your life back on track.
To get started, you can contact us to schedule your free consultation with our personal injury attorneys in Buffalo. We will assess your case to guide you in choosing your best legal options. If you are seeking professional legal counsel after a bus crash, a Buffalo bus accident lawyer can help. Whether it involves a school bus driver or another party, skilled legal counsel is essential. Remember, you have been through enough already. Allow Mazzu Law to fight for the justice you deserve.