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Bus crashes can be traumatizing. If you were injured in one, a Lowell personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
The bus accident claims process can be long and stressful. A Lowell bus accident lawyer can handle your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
What Can a Lowell Bus Accident Attorney Do for Me?
Bus accident claims are often complex. A bus accident lawyer in Lowell can:
- Investigate the accident: An attorney can gather evidence, review police and medical reports, and consult experts to determine exactly what caused the crash.
- Identify all responsible parties: A lawyer can determine whether the bus driver, the bus company, or another entity is legally liable for your injuries.
- Handle insurance communications: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and push back against lowball offers.
- Represent you in court: A lawyer can advocate on your behalf if your case goes to trial and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is My Bus Accident Worth?
The value of a bus accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of the property damage, and the at-fault party’s degree of liability. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands or even millions for severe ones.
A bus accident attorney in Lowell can assess your situation and provide a realistic estimate of your potential settlement.
Types of Damages in Bus Accident Cases
Bus accident victims may be entitled to several types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can seek damages for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages: You can seek compensation for the income you lost while recovering and for any long-term reduction in earning capacity.
- Property damage: You can recover money for the repair or replacement of any personal property damaged during the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
- Punitive damages: You can pursue additional damages if the at-fault party acted recklessly or with gross negligence.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Bus Accident Claim in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, you typically have three years from the date of a bus accident to file a lawsuit. If your claim involves a government agency, you may have less time to file a notice of claim.
Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering any compensation. A bus accident lawyer can help you file your claim promptly.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Crash?
Liability in a bus accident can be shared among multiple parties, depending on the circumstances. Those parties include:
- The bus driver: Drivers can be held responsible if their negligence caused the crash.
- The bus company: Companies may be liable for failing to properly train, supervise, or maintain their vehicles.
- Third parties: Other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or local authorities could share responsibility if their actions contributed to the accident.
A lawyer can identify all responsible parties and help recover damages from them.
How Does Contributory Negligence Work in North Carolina?
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are even 1% at fault for an accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Because of the strict nature of this law, it’s important to hire a bus accident lawyer who can prove you weren’t at fault for the accident.
Types of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can take many forms, including:
- Collisions with other vehicles
- Rollover accidents
- Pedestrian or cyclist collisions
- Accidents caused by mechanical failure
- Single-vehicle accidents involving swerving or running off the road
How Do Bus Accidents Happen?
Bus accidents often occur due to a combination of factors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driver fatigue
- Mechanical issues, such as brake or tire failure
- Poor road conditions, including potholes or construction zones
- Bad weather, such as rain, ice, or fog
- Passenger disruptions or distractions
What to Do After a Bus Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a bus accident can improve your odds of a successful case. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911: Notify the authorities of the accident and ensure a police report is filed.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the bus, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Collect names, contact information, and insurance details from all parties involved.
- Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor to undergo an evaluation and document your condition.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident, but don’t speculate about what happened, discuss fault, or give any recorded statements.
- Contact a bus accident lawyer: Get in touch with our bus accident lawyers to discuss next steps.
Speak to a Bus Accident Lawyer in Lowell
Bus accidents can have far-reaching consequences. If you were injured in one, a Lowell bus accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help investigate the crash, determine liability, and recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Book a free case review to discuss your situation today.
