Buses are a cost-effective, convenient, and popular method of transportation. Adults frequently use the Decatur Public Transit System to commute to and from work, and children often travel on buses to get to school. Although traveling by bus is generally safe, these vehicles occasionally get into accidents. Sadly, bus accidents can result in devastating injuries to passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else involved in the collision.
If you or your family member recently suffered serious injuries in a bus crash, reach out to an experienced attorney for help. A Decatur bus accident lawyer could assist you in recovering compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim.
Common Injuries in Bus Wrecks
Bus crashes can cause severe injuries to anyone involved in the collision. Unlike most other motor vehicles, buses typically do not have seat belts or airbags to protect passengers from the jarring impact of a crash. Without a seatbelt to hold them back, a bus passenger could fly from their seat and suffer serious physical harm.
In bus wrecks, passengers often sustain the following types of injuries:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and abrasions that could leave disfiguring scars
- Back problems
- Spinal cord and nerve injuries
- Head trauma, including traumatic brain injuries
Bus passengers are not the only people who may sustain injuries in a crash. When a collision involves a large bus and a passenger car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle often suffer devastating harm. Similarly, when a bus hits a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist, the victim often suffers catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
Recovering Compensation for Bus Accident Injuries
The bus accident lawyers at our firm understand how hard it can be to recover from these types of injuries. A dedicated attorney could work hard to ensure that a victim recovers sufficient financial damages to cover all of their medical costs as well as their emotional trauma. If a bus wreck results in someone’s death, our compassionate attorneys could help the surviving family members to recover damages in a wrongful death suit.
Josh and his staff are excellent to work with. Caring and compassionate, they really listen to the clients. They go above and beyond to get the best possible results. I’m very happy I was referred to him! I will definitely contact him for any future legal needs and I highly recommend him.
— Grace D., ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review
Frequent Causes of Bus Wrecks in Decatur
Bus wrecks can occur due to a number of factors. To recover compensation, an injured victim and their local attorney must determine the cause behind the accident.
Driver Error
A skilled lawyer will typically begin their investigation by looking for signs of driver error. To do this, they may assess various types of evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Medical reports
- Crash scene pictures
- Traffic camera pictures
- Eyewitness accounts
Many bus crashes happen because a bus driver makes a negligent or reckless driving mistake, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, tailgating, failing to yield, or road rage.
Mechanical Failure
Some bus accidents happen because the vehicle has underlying manufacturing defects. A seasoned lawyer could research whether the bus was subject to a recall and, if so, help a victim pursue a claim against the manufacturer. If a crash was caused by worn-out parts or negligent maintenance, an attorney in the area could check to see if the bus underwent regular service and maintenance appointments. An injured victim could pursue a lawsuit against the bus owner or mechanic in charge of repairs if the vehicle did not receive proper care.
Consult a Decatur Bus Accident Attorney Today
Civil claims for bus crashes require a detailed understanding of local and federal rules and regulations. Our attorneys have the necessary knowledge and legal background to seek compensation on behalf of injured victims. If you or a family member was injured in a collision involving public transportation, let a Decatur bus accident lawyer handle your case and pursue the financial relief you deserve. Call today for a free initial consultation.