Bus Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC
Bus options are found throughout Charlotte. While the public bus system is used for getting around the city, charter bus companies offer trip services. As with any motor vehicle, there is the risk of an accident when riding a bus. If you have been harmed in a crash, a bus accident lawyer from Edwards Injury Law is prepared to help. As a veteran- and black-owned law firm, we are aware of the adversities our clients face after a situation that occurred out of their control. We are here to guide you through the claim process and to the best path to recovery. Contact us today.
How Common Are Bus Accidents in North Carolina?
Bus accidents are often complex events. The crash’s circumstances can be confusing – and particularly overwhelming for the victims. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the last calculated bus crashes are as follows:
- Commercial Buses – 556 crashes, 171 injuries, 0 fatalities
- School Buses – 1,155 crashes, 290 injuries, six fatalities
- Activity Buses – 135 crashes, 30 injuries, two fatalities
- Other Buses – 146 crashes, 50 injuries, 0 fatalities
Broken down by county, Mecklenburg County saw the highest number of bus accident. Even as public officials and legislators attempt to create initiatives to reduce bus accidents, negligent actions still contribute to property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
What Are the Common Causes of Bus Crashes?
A crucial part of building a strong claim is determining the cause of your bus accident. To be successful, personal injury claims need to be built on the concept of negligence, which means you need to prove you were owed a duty of care that was breached, and, as a result, you sustained injuries and financial losses. Your attorney will consult with experts to determine the cause of your crash. Some of the most common reasons we see include the following:
- Even with local regulations, not all bus drivers follow the rules of the road behind the wheel. This is particularly true with charter bus drivers, who may choose to disregard the hours of service they are allowed to operate without stopping. Some laws regulate speed, load capacity, passing, and turning.
- Company Negligence. Bus companies that fail to properly maintain their vehicle fleet or hire unqualified drivers can be held accountable for accidents and related injuries and losses.
- Blind Spots. Even with mirrors, there are still reasonably large blind spots bus drivers must account for in order to avoid accidentally sideswiping a vehicle or merging incorrectly. Blind spots cause issues on both highways and local roads.
No matter the cause of your accident, we’re here to ensure you receive access to the legal representation and resources you need to get your life back in order as quickly as possible.
What Injuries Do Bus Accident Victims Sustain?
Bus accident injuries vary widely. In accidents considered more minor, victims could endure whiplash, lacerations, bruises, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries. Victims could face broken bones, traumatic head injuries, spinal cord trauma, and internal injuries in more severe accidents.
With such variable injuries, it is imperative for bus accident victims to seek medical attention. Remember that not all injuries are visible or painful. A physician can properly evaluate, diagnose, and treat you for any and all injuries to ensure you recover as fully as possible.
Medical bills can add up quickly after a bus accident. To avoid financial struggles and ensure the negligent party is held accountable for your injuries and losses, get in touch with a Charlotte, NC bus accident lawyer from Edwards Injury Law.
Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?
Determining responsibility for a bus accident can be difficult. Depending on the cause of the accident, you may be looking to hold the driver, the bus company, or the city accountable for your losses.
To identify the at-fault party of your bus accident, your lawyer will work with experts to reconstruct the accident from beginning to end. Once there’s a solid theory on what happened, your attorney can proceed with determining the at-fault party and establishing negligence per North Carolina law.
What Is My Bus Accident Injury Claim Worth?
Your bus accident injury claim’s value is based on a number of factors. In most situations, we will look at your losses in terms of economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages can be totaled with actual financial losses. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, any future costs of medical care, and loss in earning capacity. Non-economic damages are trickier to determine, as they are based on subjective losses like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Determining what your bus accident injury case is worth can be challenging. Fortunately, your attorney will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure you do not settle for less than you’re owed.
How Do I File a Claim With Help From Edwards Injury Law?
If you are interested in speaking with a bus accident lawyer from Edwards Injury Law, all you need to do is contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We can review your situation together and help you determine how best to proceed. We understand how intimidating it can seem to go up against a bus company or even the city. When you work with us, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Reach out today to learn more.
