If you think you may have to cover your losses from your bus accident, consider your next steps carefully. If a bus company, a government entity, or other parties may be liable, you may be able to get compensation from them. To find out if this may be an option for you, meet with a Centreville area bus accident lawyer who can learn about your case.
The Pendleton Law Team has provided legal services and support to thousands of clients. If you want help with your bus accident lawsuit, our Centreville area personal injury lawyer is here for you. To get started, schedule a free case consultation.
Reasons to File a Centreville Bus Accident Claim
If you make a mistake after a bus accident, you could hurt your chances of getting compensation from any parties liable for the incident or their insurance companies. Thankfully, a Centreville area bus accident attorney can help you file an insurance claim, which may allow you to seek compensation that you could use as you recover from the incident.
The insurance claims process is an opportunity to share details about the harm that you suffered in a bus accident with a liable party’s insurer. Ideally, your claim is approved, and you are compensated fairly. Of course, if there’s a dispute regarding your claim, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit in which you seek compensatory damages through a trial.
At The Pendleton Law Team, we are proud to serve those who have been injured in bus accidents caused by others’ actions, as well as their families. We encourage you to discuss your bus accident case with us. From here, we may help you with your claim or lawsuit. To learn more, request a free case consultation.
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When to Sue Someone for a Bus Collision
According to the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, in most cases, you have up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Based on this, if you’re injured in a bus collision and someone else may be to blame, you may have two years from the date of the accident to sue.
Your bus accident lawyer serving the Centreville community can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit. Initially, they may engage in settlement negotiations with the liable party or its insurer after your bus crash. If no agreement is reached, they may get your case ready for trial.
During your litigation, your attorney can explain what to do after a bus accident to improve your chances of getting your desired case results. They may tell you to continue to treat your accident injuries and do other things to care for yourself following the incident. Meanwhile, your lawyer may put together an argument designed to prove that you deserve damages.
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Compensation That You Could Get in Your Bus Accident Lawsuit
The compensation that you may receive if you sue someone for a bus accident may depend on your tangible and intangible losses. Your personal injury attorney may develop an argument that highlights your economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of income
- Car repair costs
Your lawyer can answer any questions that you may have about the average bus accident settlement and other topics relating to your case. On top of that, they may help you gather evidence that could prompt a judge or jury to give a favorable ruling.
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Proof to Use in Your Bus Accident Case
If you say that a party committed a careless or reckless act that led to your bus accident and injuries, this is unlikely to be enough to get a judge or jury to rule that damages should be awarded. Personal injury lawyers may collect relevant evidence to bolster your case. Evidence that may help you prove negligence includes:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Witness statements
If you file a lawsuit, the defendant may consider your evidence carefully. Based on the strength of your evidence, they may be inclined to engage in settlement negotiations with you and your lawyer and resolve your case outside of court. Yet, if a trial is required, your lawyer can share their proof with the court, which may help you show that your damages request is warranted.
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The Role of Negligence in a Bus Crash Case
Before the court awards damages, it may assess negligence in your case. A judge or jury may look at whether the defendant was careless or reckless and whether their actions contributed to your bus accident, injuries, and damages.
For example, if a bus driver were operating their vehicle while distracted, they may cause an accident. This individual may be considered negligent, since they chose to engage in distracted driving. Because of the driver’s negligent actions, they may be held liable for your accident. Alternatively, their employer could be responsible.
You may be subject to Virginia’s contributory negligence laws in your case. With these, if you file a lawsuit for a bus accident but are found to be in any way liable for the incident, you may be barred from recovering damages from other parties involved in it. This may be the case if you are 1-99% liable for the accident.
Who Can Be at Fault for a Bus Collision
To assess liability, your lawyer may review traffic camera footage of your bus accident and police reports from the incident. In addition, they may interview witnesses who witnessed the incident and take other investigative measures. This may allow your attorney to identify any parties that may be liable for your accident, such as:
- Bus driver
- Bus company
- Bus maintenance company
- Bus manufacturer
- Motorist
It may be difficult to determine who is liable for your bus accident if multiple parties were involved. Your lawyer can keep you updated as they perform their investigation. Once any liable parties are found, your lawyer may help you proceed with a claim or lawsuit against them.
Let Our Bus Accident Attorney Serving Centreville Help You with Your Bus Accident Case
When you work with The Pendleton Law Team, you have the Heavy Hitters® at your disposal. Allow a bus accident attorney who serves Centreville and other Virginia communities to handle your case. Reach out to us today.
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