An Ashland bus accident lawyer can be a valuable ally if you get injured in a bus accident. These incidents can involve public transit buses, school buses, or private carriers. In many cases, bus companies and drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other people on the road.
At The Pendleton Law Team, we’re known as Heavy Hitters®, and our firm is recognized for holding negligent parties accountable and helping injured clients pursue financial recovery. Our Ashland personal injury lawyers understand how a collision can affect every part of your life. We help you build a case for damages.
Legal Aspects of Bus Accidents
Due to several factors, including a bus’s size and weight, the potential for multiple parties to be involved, and the laws surrounding negligence, bus accidents can involve complicated legal considerations. Understanding these aspects can help victims of bus accidents gain a clearer picture of their legal options after a crash.
Size and Weight of Buses
Buses, especially those used for public transit or school districts, are much larger and heavier than most vehicles on the road. This size and weight increase the potential for significant damage in a collision.
- Larger vehicles can cause more severe property damage and injuries.
- Due to their size, buses may need extra space to maneuver and stop, which can contribute to accidents.
- Public transit buses may also be held to higher standards due to their role as a “common carrier,” which legally requires them to provide a higher level of care.
Comparative Negligence in Virginia
In Virginia, the law of comparative negligence is important in determining fault in accidents, including bus accidents. However, Virginia is not a pure no-fault state. Instead, it follows a “contributory negligence” standard, which is stricter than the comparative negligence rules in many other states.
Under Virginia’s contributory negligence law, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover any damages.
Involvement of Multiple Parties
Determining who is liable can be challenging, especially in cases where the negligence of more than one party contributed to the accident. For instance, a bus company may be held liable for a driver’s actions if it failed to properly train, monitor, or supervise them.
In some cases, third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or maintenance companies, may be responsible for mechanical issues that led to the accident. If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand liability and ensure that your case is handled properly.
For a Free Legal Consultation
Call The Personal Injury Lawyer Hotline.
804-250-5050
Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims in Virginia
The statute of limitations for bus accident claims typically follows the same rules as other personal injury accidents. Generally, the time you have to report an accident in Virginia is two years from the date of the accident. This includes crashes involving city buses, school buses, or even private carriers.
However, the clock may start ticking from the moment of the accident, not when you first notice injuries, so it’s important to seek medical care immediately after the incident. Even if you don’t feel severe pain right away, spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can become apparent later.
Let the Heavy Hitters® Take On Your Case 804-250-5050
Potential Damages and Compensation After a Bus Accident
The compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the responsible parties. Understanding the potential damages and the types of compensation you might receive can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
After a bus accident, the damages you may be able to claim generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. An Ashland bus accident attorney can help you calculate how much of each type applies in your case.
Economic Damages
These are measurable costs associated with the accident. Economic damages include everything from medical expenses and lost wages to repair costs for any property damage, such as to your vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages relate to the impact the accident has had on your life. They may include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (the loss of companionship from a spouse).
Long-Term Care Costs
If your injuries are severe, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, the long-term care costs may also be part of your claim. In such cases, future medical expenses and rehabilitation may need to be taken into account when determining your compensation.
Central Virginia's Top Rated Personal
Injury Lawyers 804-250-5050
Factors Affecting Your Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive for your injuries depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, loss of income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, you might also be able to seek punitive damages if the actions of the bus driver or bus company were especially reckless or negligent.
A personal injury lawyer can help calculate the amount of your personal injury settlement and gather the necessary medical records, police reports, and other evidence to assess the impact of the accident on your quality of life and financial recovery.
Let Us Be The Heavy Hitters® For Your Case Speak To An Attorney Now
Ask Our Bus Accident Attorneys in Ashland About Your Options
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Our Ashland bus accident lawyers can assist with evaluating your case, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and even representing you in court, if necessary.
Our team of personal injury lawyers at The Pendleton Law Team is ready to answer your questions. We can also provide you and your family with the legal resources you need to recover after a bus accident. Remember that taking prompt legal action can help protect your interests and improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
The Pendleton Law Team Is Here For You 804-250-5050
