St. Mary’s Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses transport many people, whether school buses, tour buses, or city buses. Since they are so large when they are in an accident, it can lead to catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Filing an insurance claim is lengthy, and since bus accidents cause severe injuries; your medical bills will be extensive. 

You will also suffer lost income, loss of quality of life, and more. You need a St. Mary’s bus accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates to review your incident and ensure you get the compensation you need for your losses. 

Causes of Bus Accidents in St. Mary’s

Bus drivers must meet additional qualifications and therefore have a higher standard of care. When they neglect their duties, it causes an accident. Factors that lead to bus accidents include:

Size and Weight

The most significant factor in the devastation from bus accidents is the size differential between a bus and cars. They are larger and weigh more than cars; when they strike a smaller vehicle, they can cause significant damage. Buses are notorious for leading to multi-car pile-ups that block several lanes of traffic for hours. 

The size of a bus also means they need more time to stop and are susceptible to causing rollover accidents.  

Inexperience of the Bus Driver

Bus drivers must pass background checks and obtain a commercial driver’s license. They also undergo routine drug testing. There are many requirements to becoming a bus driver, but bus companies often overlook these so they can profit by putting drivers on the road.  

Safety Features

Buses do not have the same safety features as cars, and some riders are standing during transport. Cars have airbags and seatbelts to shield occupants from harm, but you will still likely suffer severe injury even with these features. No seatbelts or airbags can prevent injuries for bus occupants during an accident, making them susceptible to injuries.

Faulty Parts

Buses and cars require inspections to ensure all parts are working, and when there is one defective part, it can cause a dangerous condition. Maintenance companies must replace faulty parts immediately; a bus needs adequate parts to be on the road. There is a maintenance schedule the bus company must adhere to.  

Reckless Driving

Bus drivers must follow a schedule to get passengers to the next stop. Since they are in a hurry, they participate in dangerous driving habits that put others at risk. Driver negligence is the leading cause of bus and car accidents.  

Injuries from Bus Accidents 

Injuries from bus accidents are more than a few cuts and bruises. The injuries you will suffer are life-altering, and you will never be the same again. Reaching maximum medical improvement will mean something different for bus accident victims than for other victims. 

Common life-altering injuries from bus accidents include:

• Spinal cord trauma: your ability to walk and use your hands is essential. When you suffer a spinal cord injury, you can lose mobility. 
• Traumatic brain injuries: when your head jolts backward and forward abruptly, it can cause your brain to hit the inside of your skull and lead to bruising. Symptoms range from dizziness, concentration issues, depression, difficulty sleeping, and more.
• Burns: fire and explosion are common from bus accidents, and victims can suffer burns that cause permanent scarring or require special burn treatment. 

The severity of your injuries doesn’t only affect your physical abilities but also your career prospects. There are other injuries you can suffer, and the cause of the accident can determine how much you suffer. You need a bus accident lawyer in St. Mary’s, GA, to ensure you get medical treatment and compensation for your past and future losses. 

Fault for St. Mary’s Bus Accident Claims

The basis of your claim will depend on fault and negligence. While the bus driver is responsible for keeping passengers safe, other parties are responsible for bus accidents. You can even have multiple parties accountable for these accidents, and your bus accident attorney in St. Mary’s, GA, must name all of them in a claim and subsequent lawsuit. 

Responsible parties include:

• Bus driver
• Bus company 
• Other motorists 
• Bus passengers
• The City 
• Pedestrians or cyclists 

Your St. Mary’s bus accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability for your injuries and who must be financially responsible. Do not leave the investigation in the hands of the insurance company but instead speak with our bus accident attorneys. 

Damages You Could Recover After a Bus Accident

Your losses from a bus accident are categorized as damages, and you can recover a range of compensation pertaining to your bus accident. Bus accident lawyers can’t give you an accurate estimate of your damages without reviewing your individual circumstances. Examples of damages you can receive are:

• Loss of earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Diminished quality of life
• Lost wages and benefits
• Rehabilitation costs
• Past and future medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket expenses like medication and transportation costs
• Lost wages and benefits 
• Disfigurement and disability 
• Mental anguish 

Wrongful Death Claims 

Bus accidents are so catastrophic that many people do not survive. If your loved one dies from a bus accident, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim and recover compensation for various losses. Our bus accident lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim.

You Need the Strong Arm in Georgia

Bus accidents cause severe injuries and devastation, which means settlements are in the six and seven figures. Bus companies and insurers do not want to pay out these claims, so they will fight you at every turn. They will employ devious tactics and argue minute details to lower your claim. 

You need a St. Mary’s bus accident attorney to ensure they do not keep the money you need to move on from this incident. Bus passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and property owners can file claims against the bus company to recover compensation. Don’t fight the insurance company independently. 

Call John Foy & Associates for a free consultation today.