Buses are a crucial mode of transportation for many Baton Rouge residents. While bus accidents are relatively rare, they can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries and even death. Pedestrians, passengers, and even other drivers can be severely harmed.
If you were injured in a bus accident, you may have high medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and other significant costs. A bus accident attorney in Baton Rouge can help you pursue compensation for these costs.
A bus in the aftermath of a collision. A Baton Rouge bus accident attorney can help injured victims and their loved ones after a wreck.
Who Can You Sue for a Bus Accident?
The bus driver’s actions may have contributed to your accident. However, road conditions, weather, malfunctioning bus parts, and other problems could have also played a part in the collision. The bus company itself may even be at fault. Our attorneys can help you determine who you should include as a party in your claim. This could be:
The Bus Driver
Because buses are large and contain many passengers, the consequences of a bus driver driving distracted can result in injuries and deaths. Texting while driving, adjusting the bus radio or climate controls, and other distractions take a bus driver’s attention off the road and increase the chances of a collision.
Some bus drivers have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drowsy driving is another serious problem that can lead to slowed reaction time, difficulty concentrating, and poor decision-making.
The Local Government
Sometimes, a bus driver is not at fault for the accident. Hazards like potholes, inadequate traffic signage, or roads not properly maintained can all cause a bus accident.
You may be able to hold a government entity responsible for an accident caused by negligent road maintenance. For this, it’s a good idea to hire a lawyer, as claims involving government entities are complicated and, because they often have immunity, the odds are stacked against you.
The Manufacturer and/or Bus Company
If a bus contains defective tires, brakes, steering mechanisms, or other faulty bus parts, the liable party could be the bus company or the manufacturer.
Perhaps the manufacturer approved the bus despite it having faulty parts or perhaps the bus company did not maintain the bus properly, leading to a part breakdown. You may be able to include either or both parties in your claim.
The Mechanic
Buses, like all motor vehicles, must receive regular tune-ups and maintenance. Inadequate maintenance or deficient repair jobs can cause the bus to malfunction during transportation. You may be able to hold the mechanic accountable for the accident.
For a free legal consultation with a Bus Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call 800-537-8185
Filing an Injury Claim After a Bus Accident
Lacerations and contusions, fractures, head injuries, spine injuries, and other injuries are common in bus accidents. A Baton Rouge bus accident lawyer can protect your legal rights and help you collect the financial compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.
Valuing Your Case
Losses in a bus accident injury claim can include the financial and non-financial costs incurred by the accident. Our team can identify all your losses and estimate their value. For instance, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses related to ongoing medical needs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Impairment to your earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses caused by your injuries
If your loved one died in a bus accident caused by another party’s negligent actions, our team can help you file a wrongful death claim. You may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your loved one’s income and employment benefits, funeral and burial costs, and medical bills before their passing.
Gathering Evidence
A Baton Rouge bus accident lawyer can help you obtain evidence and use it to demonstrate the liable party’s negligence. We can also show how this negligence led to your injuries and the losses that you sustained. Evidence in a bus accident injury claim may include:
- Photographs and videos
- Police reports
- Maintenance records
- Camera footage from the driver’s dash
- Data from the vehicle’s event data recorder
- Information about the bus company’s hiring and training procedures
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction
Pursuing a Settlement
Our team of personal injury lawyers can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We will fight for a fair settlement that covers your past and future costs caused by the accident. If a settlement cannot be reached out of court, then we are prepared to fight for you in court as well.
Baton Rouge Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Louisiana Laws You Should Know
Comparative Negligence
If you contributed to the accident and are partially responsible for your injuries, you may lose some portion for compensation. According to the Louisiana pure comparative negligence doctrine §2323, if you contributed to your injury, your compensatory award will be decreased by your degree of fault.
Statute of Limitations
In each state there is a deadline for filing personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for most bus accident injury claims in Louisiana is only one year, according to Louisiana Civil Code §3492. If you do not file your lawsuit by this time, you may lose the opportunity to pursue recovery for your damages.
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Contact Morris Bart, LLC for Help Filing a Bus Accident Claim
At Morris Bart, LLC, our personal injury attorneys have helped bus accidents victims and their loved ones to get results. If negligence caused your injuries or a loved one’s death, we will fight to see that justice is served.
We offer free consultations, and our attorneys are available on a contingency-fee basis. We don’t get paid unless we win you compensation. Get started today and learn about your legal options by contacting us directly.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
