Passengers riding on a bus have every reasonable expectation that they are going to arrive safely at their destination. However, bus accidents do occur more commonly than one would think. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 121 fatalities involving heavy trucks. Due to their sheer size and weight, buses can be dangerous vehicles for passengers during transport.
Individuals who sustained injuries during a bus accident have legal options available to them in pursuit of compensation. If you sustained financial losses related to your injuries during a bus accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
The legal team at Bressman Law is here to help you handle your case. See how a bus accident lawyer serving Marion, OH, can handle your case during a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bressman Law is prepared to help you pursue injury claims involving bus accidents. A critical factor to determine the outcome of your case is attributing the cause of the bus accident. Doing so allows us to establish potential parties responsible.
The most common causes of a bus accident include:
- Speeding
- Changing lanes without proper signal
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Mechanical issues
- Maintenance failures
- Reckless driving
While the preceding list is not exhaustive, you can see how the cause of your accident can establish liable parties. No matter the particulars of your case, you can consult with a bus accident injury lawyer serving Marion, OH to determine your most advantageous course of action.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accident attorney in Marion, call (614) 538-1116
Types of Injuries Sustained in a Bus Accident
Since a bus is a heavy vehicle, the impact that they create exceeds that of any passenger car. The force is typically transferred to the passengers of the bus, which can cause more severe injuries when compared to a smaller vehicle under similar conditions.
The team at Bressman Law can help you pursue compensation for bus accidents related to:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Cognitive losses
- Wrongful death
There are many other types of injuries that accident victims can sustain in addition to the preceding list. A bus accident lawyer serving Marion, OH, at Bressman Law can help you navigate the claims process and a possible lawsuit if it reaches that point.
Marion Bus Accident Attorney (614) 538-1116
We Hold Responsible Parties Accountable for Your Injuries
Depending on your purpose for travel, there are many types of buses in which passengers can ride. The Bressman Law team can help you pursue financial compensation against any kind of transit, including:
- Shuttle buses
- School buses
- College campus buses
- City buses
- Tour buses
- And many others
There are times when individuals experienced injuries from a bus accident as a pedestrian, cyclist, or another motor vehicle. You may also file a claim for compensation if you sustained injuries under these circumstances as well.
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Proving Negligence for a Bus Accident in Marion, OH
Like most personal injury lawsuits, bus accident claims require the legal team at Bressman Law to prove negligence against the bus driver or the operating company. An actionable lawsuit for your injuries involves us demonstrating the following elements:
- The driver or bus company had a duty to operate the vehicle safely
- The duty was not upheld, seen in speeding or reckless driving
- The breach of duty caused the bus accident
- You sustained injuries from the accident
- You experienced financial losses as a result
Our team is ready to prove the preceding details of your case. We use eyewitness testimony, police reports, and medical records, among others, in demonstrating that someone else behaved without due care and is responsible for your injuries. With over 30 years of serving personal injury clients, Bressman Law can help you understand your options.
Buses Are Common Carriers
A common carrier, under Ohio Code Section 4965.54, is any entity that transports passengers or goods from one place to another in exchange for a service fee. Buses fall under this definition. This information matters because it places a particular emphasis on the duty of care that the bus driver or bus company must meet.
These types of vehicle operators are required to exercise extra precautions to ensure this standard is met, such as driver training, bus maintenance, and passenger safety. Their failure to comply with this law means that they may be legally responsible for passenger injuries, property damage, and wrongful death.
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The Bus Accident Lawyer Serving Marion, OH Can Help You
A bus accident lawyer serving Marion, OH, at Bressman Law understands the intricate complexities of filing a lawsuit against a bus driver or company operator. While you recuperate, we’ll manage the details of litigating your case in civil court. In addition to managing your case in court, we effectively communicate with the relevant entities involved, including bus operators, insurers, opposing attorneys, and any other entity with whom you must interact after filing a claim. Our team is also prepared to look for signs of poor repair or maintenance in case that element played a role in your accident.
If it is determined that filing a lawsuit is the best course of action for your situation, we aim to help you throughout the entire process from your initial court petition to receiving financial damages awarded to you. Types of compensation for which you may be able to receive include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages and benefits for time missed at work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of life or wrongful death
- And more where allowable by law
The type of compensation for which you receive depends on several factors, including the degree of injury, degree of negligence, and time that has passed since the accident, among others. Per Ohio Code Section 2305.10, you generally have up to two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. Therefore, it is critical to speak with a bus accident lawyer in Marion, OH, or any of the nearby communities, as soon as possible to understand your options.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Bus Accident
The first consideration after a bus accident is your health. Seeking medical treatment is important, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious, such as whiplash or a concussion, so it is sensible to get yourself checked over for peace of mind. Having your injuries properly diagnosed, treated, and documented is also helpful for your claim as it links the accident to the harm you sustained.
Evidence is vital in personal injury claims as you need to prove how negligence has caused your injuries and other related losses. If it is possible and safe to do so, taking pictures of your injuries and the accident scene can help to strengthen your claim. It is also beneficial to take the contact details of the person who caused the accident along with any witnesses to the accident.
Finally, you will likely be in contact with an insurance company soon after the accident. Many insurers will seek to close an accident case as quickly as possible by offering a settlement early. While this may seem beneficial, be wary of early offers as the full extent of your injuries at this stage may not be fully known.
You are not obligated to accept an offer from an insurance company, and you have the right to have your lawyer manage all communications with them regarding your claim.
Allow Yourself Enough Time to Fully Understand Your Legal Position
Many law firms provide a free initial consultation where you can learn about your legal options. For example, if you have received a settlement offer and are unsure if it is enough to meet your needs, a lawyer can review your situation and help you understand your options.
As well as providing a free consultation and offering representation on a no-win-no-fee basis summary of what we do to help our clients after a bus accident includes:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident
- Identifying liable parties
- Gathering the evidence required to prove negligence
- Assessing the financial impact of your injuries
- Building a case to prove negligence
- Managing case administration and communication
- Answering your questions and providing regular updates
- Negotiating for a fair settlement offer
- Reviewing settlement offers
- Representing you in court, where necessary
Why Choose Bressman Law?
Choosing the right lawyer to represent you is an important consideration if you are considering taking legal action after a negligent party caused you harm. Therefore, it is beneficial to do a little research beforehand to evaluate a law firm’s experience, reviews, client testimonials, and results in similar cases. We believe our clients benefit from our legal services for the following reasons:
- We care about the well-being of our clients and are always transparent, open, and available to answer your questions.
- We have great online reviews and client testimonials.
- We have over 25 years of experience representing clients with more than six decades of combined courtroom experience to bring to the table.
- We have successful outcomes for all ranges of injury cases, from minor to catastrophic injuries.
Discuss Your Case with Bressman Law
If you or a loved one sustained an injury in an Ohio bus accident, the legal team at Bressman Law is here to help.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
