Bus Accident Attorney in Brockton, MA
Bus accident victims are often left with severe, life-changing injuries. Injured bus accident victims may be able to seek compensation against all parties responsible for the damages they suffer, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, pursuing a claim for compensation following a bus accident is far from straightforward. Many buses are owned by large bus companies that have their own insurers and lawyers working on their behalf. Many buses are even owned and operated by government agencies, which makes filing a bus accident claim even more complicated.
If you were injured in a bus accident or sustained injuries while a bus passenger, you have legal rights and may be entitled to financial recovery for your injuries. The bus accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan understand how complex bus accident injury claims can be. We know the work involved in filing a claim and can help you build the strongest case possible for maximum compensation.
Immediately contact our Brockton office today for a free consultation. We are here to talk to you about your situation and how we may be able to help.
Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus collisions occur for a wide variety of reasons. Many bus accident cases are caused by negligent bus drivers who do not properly handle the vehicle or are not trained properly. Others are caused by unruly bus passengers or students. Still others may be due to a driver of a passenger vehicle.
Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Bus driver fatigue
- An inexperienced or poorly trained driver who lost control of the bus
- Negligent maintenance of the bus
- Weight distribution problems that impact bus stability
- Careless driving behaviors such as speeding
- Failing to watch for vehicles in their blindspot
- Poor weather conditions
Issues Unique to Bus Accident Claims
Since many buses are operated by large bus companies or government entities, filing an insurance claim or bus accident lawsuit can be complicated. These organizations tend to have insurers and powerful attorneys on their side who work hard to protect them from having to pay out large claims. Getting full and fair compensation from a bus company or government agency can be both time-consuming and complicated.
Additionally, bus accident cases may involve several responsible parties. For example, common carriers may be involved if the bus accident involved MBTA, charter buses, or Greyhound. If the accident involved a defective part, the bus manufacturer may be involved. Other drivers may also be held responsible for the role they played in the accident. All of these parties may have their own bus accident lawyers fighting to defend them, and each insurance company may initially try to deny the claim. All of these factors can make it more difficult for injured passengers to hold the parties responsible.
The process for filing a claim for a bus accident may also be very different from the process of filing a traditional car insurance claim. If the bus is owned or operated by a municipal or state government agency, for example, you will likely first need to file a claim with the agency, following the filing procedures they’ve outlined.
In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act limits government liability in some ways, such as by imposing caps on certain damages. However, it also allows government employees to be held liable for acts of negligence. These claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of the injury. It’s important to talk to an experienced bus accident attorney to determine your best avenue for pursuing compensation.
What to Do After Being Injured in a Bus Accident
If you are injured in a bus accident, try to keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Call the police, who will create an accident report
- Get medical care right away
- Document what you can at the scene of the bus accident
- Do not talk about the crash or post on social media about it
- Talk to an experienced Brockton bus accident attorney
- Follow your medical treatment plan
- Keep all receipts and medical bills related to the accident
- Keep a pain journal to track your symptoms and the effects the accident has on your life
Damages You Can Recover in a Bus Accident Lawsuit
Victims of bus accidents may be able to recover compensation for their injuries. Generally, you may be able to seek bus accident compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
A bus accident lawyer can give you a better idea about the potential compensation you may be able to pursue during your free consultation.
Contact a Bus Accident Attorney in Brockton, MA Today
If you were injured in a bus accident, it is important to turn to the experience and resources offered by a reputable bus accident law firm. The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are here to help. Our accident lawyers have handled a wide variety of personal injury cases. We have helped past clients recover compensation after suffering from a catastrophic injury or other serious injuries that have negatively impacted their lives. We have also represented families where children were harmed in school bus accidents or where a loved one was killed in a crash.
We will guide you through each stage of the process with respect and integrity. For a free consultation, reach out to our office today. You will speak directly to a personal injury lawyer who can explain your legal rights and options.
