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Were you injured in a collision involving a bus driver? As a victim of the crash, you might be entitled to pursue compensation. However, you shouldn’t have to figure out how to take legal action by yourself. Why not let a Landrum personal injury lawyer advocate for you instead?
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our law firm has represented over 10,000 people and recovered more than $100 million on behalf of our clients. Our Landrum bus accident lawyers will investigate what happened and protect your rights throughout the process.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on the specific facts involved. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to pursue compensation for these damages:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages when a loved one dies because of the accident
Insurance companies often evaluate claims differently than injured victims do. Having a Landrum bus accident attorney by your side can help you make sure all your current and future losses are considered during settlement negotiations.
How Can a Landrum Bus Accident Lawyer Help?
After a serious accident, many people simply want someone to explain what comes next. Landrum bus accident lawyers can help you understand the legal process while protecting your interests every step of the way. Here’s how your lawyer can assist you:
- Conducting an independent investigation into the accident
- Collecting surveillance footage, photographs, and witness statements
- Obtaining police reports and other important evidence
- Reviewing medical records and documenting damages
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating for fair compensation
- Filing a lawsuit if negotiations do not resolve the claim
- Preparing the case for trial if necessary
Your bus accident lawyer in Landrum can walk you through the process. That way, you won’t have to handle any facet of your case by yourself.
Who May Be Liable for a Bus Accident?
Determining liability is an important part of any personal injury claim. Depending on the facts of the case, responsibility could rest with one or more parties.
The Bus Driver
Was the driver speeding, driving while distracted, operating the vehicle while impaired, behind the wheel while fatigued, or acting negligently? If so, they may be held responsible for causing the collision.
The Bus Company
Private bus companies generally have a duty to hire qualified drivers, properly maintain their vehicles, and follow applicable safety regulations. If they failed to meet these responsibilities, they may share liability.
Government Agencies
Some buses are operated by municipalities or other public entities. Claims involving government agencies may involve additional legal requirements and filing deadlines that differ from ordinary personal injury cases.
Another Driver
Not every bus accident is caused by the bus itself. Another motorist may have caused the collision by driving recklessly, violating traffic laws, or failing to yield.
Maintenance Companies
If a third-party company was responsible for inspecting or maintaining the bus, poor maintenance or overlooked safety issues may contribute to liability.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
When defective brakes, tires, steering components, or other vehicle parts contribute to a crash, manufacturers or distributors could potentially be held responsible through a product liability claim.
Your lawyer can investigate every possible source of liability rather than assuming only one party is responsible.
Understanding South Carolina Bus Accident Laws
South Carolina laws play an important role in whether an injured person can recover compensation after a bus accident. First, it helps to understand something called negligence. In a personal injury case, the injured person must show that all of the following are true:
- Another party failed to exercise reasonable care.
- That failure caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in injuries and damages.
Furthermore, these are the types of evidence that are commonly used to establish negligence in cases like yours:
- Accident reports
- Witness testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Professional or expert opinions
- Medical records
- Vehicle inspections and maintenance records
The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in a bus accident is generally three years, according to South Carolina Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5). However, the deadline may vary depending on the details of your case and who is liable. Your lawyer can clarify what timeline you must follow for your lawsuit.
Modified Comparative Negligence in South Carolina
South Carolina also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means an injured person might still be able to recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for the accident. However, their percentage of fault cannot exceed 50%.
Additionally, any compensation that is awarded to them will generally be reduced in proportion to their share of fault. Since insurance companies understand how comparative negligence can affect a claim, they often try to argue that the victim shares some responsibility for the accident.
This is why thorough preparation and in-depth documentation are especially important. Our Landrum bus accident attorneys can evaluate the evidence, assess how South Carolina’s negligence laws apply to your situation, and identify potential legal issues early in the claims process.
To Speak With a Landrum Bus Accident Attorney, Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC
If you were hurt in a bus-related incident, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, is the law firm to call for legal representation. Our Landrum bus accident attorneys understand the challenges that can arise in bus accident claims and the importance of thoroughly investigating what happened.
With a team of six lawyers experienced in personal injury and numerous other areas of law, our firm approaches every case with broad legal knowledge. At the same time, we always make sure to maintain a client-focused approach.
Guided by the motto of “Integrity, Experience, Results,” our law firm has been voted The Best of Rutherford County from 2011 through 2025. This reflects our longstanding commitment to the community. Call us today to pursue the compensation you deserve under South Carolina law.
