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Home Bus Accident Lawyer

Raleigh bus accident lawyerBuses transport passengers to work, school, church, and other destinations. Many people rely on GoRaleigh buses as a mode of public transportation to get around the city.

However, buses also present certain risks. Bus accidents are more common than many people realize. The size of these vehicles can make any collision involving a bus life-threatening, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles.

If you have suffered injuries, a bus accident lawyer at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. can help you seek just compensation for your losses. Call our team today at 919-661-9000 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.

What To Do After a Bus Accident

The steps you take after being injured in a bus accident can make all the difference to your ability to file a successful injury claim and collect compensation for your losses. Whether you were a bus passenger, a motorist in another vehicle struck by a bus, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, you should take the following steps.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Bus accidents can feel shocking and overwhelming. In the immediate aftermath, you might be tempted to downplay minor injuries. You might not even realize that you have suffered any harm. The adrenaline your body releases after an accident can mask the pain of an injury. A trained medical professional can assess you to determine whether you require treatment. Certain injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent except to a trained medical professional.

When you visit a doctor right after a bus accident, you will have documentation that links your injuries to the collision. The evidence will make it more difficult for an insurance adjuster to deny a connection between the crash and your injuries.

Collect Evidence

If you are well enough to do so, try to collect as much evidence as you can about the accident, including:

  • Photos and videos of the accident scene
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Identification information of the bus driver
  • Names and contact information of any eyewitnesses
  • Documentation of your accident-related expenses (medical bills, vehicle repair invoices, etc.)

Speak with an Experienced North Carolina Bus Accident Attorney

Consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether you have a valid bus accident claim. The sooner you consult with one of our attorneys, the sooner we can start building a solid claim on your behalf.

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Why Choose Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A.?

Your selection of a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make after suffering injuries in a bus accident.

The team at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. is passionate about giving each of our clients the individual attention their cases deserve. We have staff members who are fluent in both Spanish and English. We can answer your legal questions in the language you are most comfortable discussing complex topics.

Our compassionate and experienced legal team understands the stress people feel after suffering injuries in bus accidents. We’ll take care of all the insurance paperwork and legal matters so that you can focus on healing.

How Our Bus Accident Lawyers Will Help You with Your Case

Some people think they can handle a bus accident injury claim on their own. However, you will be at a disadvantage when trying to deal with an insurance company while trying to overcome significant injuries. Our lawyers will:

  • Investigate the accident thoroughly to determine what happened and who was at fault
  • Identify all liable parties so we can hold them financially accountable
  • Calculate the full value of your losses, including future medical expenses
  • Negotiate aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement
  • Take the at-fault party to court if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement

With our experience, skill, and resources, we will fight aggressively to protect your rights during this challenging time.

Possible Causes of Bus Accidents

A variety of factors can cause bus accidents, including:

  • Driver negligence – Bus drivers may cause a crash by driving recklessly, following too closely, driving distracted, or driving while dangerously fatigued.
  • Mechanical defects – Issues with a bus’s brakes, tires, steering, or other critical components can cause malfunctions leading to crashes.
  • Poor maintenance – Failure to perform routine inspections and repairs may allow mechanical defects or problems to go undetected.
  • Inclement weather – Buses have long stopping distances, and slick roads caused by rain or snow can make it more challenging to brake in time to avoid a collision.
  • Hazardous road conditions – Failure to maintain roads can lead to accident hazards such as potholes, debris in the road, and unsafe road shoulders.
  • Manufacturing defects – Defectively designed or constructed buses may be prone to system malfunctions.

Compensation & Settlement

If you were injured in a bus accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your losses. These can include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages for missed work time
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Costs for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
  • Compensation for scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disabilities
  • Pain and suffering damages

Most bus accident claims are resolved through an out-of-court settlement. However, many factors will influence the final settlement amount, including:

  • The severity of injuries and required medical treatment
  • Evidence of liability and negligence
  • The insurance policies available to provide compensation

We will negotiate with insurers to seek a fair settlement that reflects the full value of your losses. If necessary, we will be prepared to present your case in court.

Possible Consequences of a Bus Accident

The potential effects of a bus accident fall into three categories: physical, emotional, and financial. 

Physical

The physical consequences of bus accidents range from relatively minor harm to life-threatening injuries. Some of the potential injuries from bus accidents include:

Many of the physical injuries require intensive medical intervention, lengthy hospitalization periods, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation. The physical pain from the injuries can become chronic and last a lifetime.

Emotional

The trauma of a bus accident can also cause emotional distress and have profound psychological effects.

Many bus accident victims develop:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Phobias
  • Avoidant behavior

These emotional injuries can affect an individual’s social interactions, relationship with their partner, and overall quality of life.

Financial

The financial consequences of a bus accident can add another layer of stress to an injured person’s life. A bus accident may cause financial disruption due to expenses such as hospital bills, therapy costs, and vehicle repair or replacement. If your injuries are serious, you may be out of work for months or unable to return to work. Your earning capacity may be adversely affected.

Types of Bus Accidents

Buses can be involved in the following types of crashes:

  • Collisions with other vehicles
  • Rollover accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Cyclist collisions
  • Accidents with fixed objects
  • School bus accidents

Liable Parties Involved in Bus Accidents

When a bus accident happens, the bus driver or others may be at fault. Those potentially liable may include:

  • Bus driver – Reckless driving, failure to follow traffic laws, impaired driving, distraction, or lack of training could make the driver negligent in a bus accident.
  • Bus company – Failure to maintain buses properly or inadequately screening bus drivers may make the bus company financially responsible for a crash.
  • Government agencies– If a bus belongs to an urban transit agency or a department of education, pursuing an injury claim will require complying with notification requirements of a pending claim. It is important to contact an attorney promptly in this situation.
  • Parts manufacturers – If defective brakes, tires, or other components cause a mechanical failure, the parts maker could be liable through product liability laws.

A seasoned personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation and identify all liable parties so we can pursue compensation from every liable source.

Younce Vtipil Baznik & Banks personal injury law team

Get in Touch with Our Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered harm in a bus accident, do not delay seeking skilled legal guidance. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. have a proven record of holding negligent parties accountable and helping injured people move on with their lives. Contact us at 919-661-9000 or via our online form for a free consultation today.

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