Bus accidents are not uncommon, and unfortunately, they can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. If you or somebody in your family has been involved in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. In this article, we’ll explain bus accident compensation and help you understand the damages and settlements involved.
Understanding Liability in Bus Accidents
Liability in bus accidents can be complex and may depend on a range of factors. In many cases, the bus driver or the bus company may be held liable for the accident. However, other parties such as other drivers or even the bus manufacturer may also be held liable.
To determine liability, it is important to investigate the cause of the accident thoroughly. This may involve reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. It’s important to have a skilled and experienced bus accident attorney on your side to help you navigate this process.
Types of Damages in Bus Accident Cases
If you are involved in a bus accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages. These damages can be divided into two main categories economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for any financial losses that you have suffered as a result of the bus accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for any medical bills you incurred. This can include hospital bills, doctor’s fees, medication costs, and any other medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost income: If you had to miss work because of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This can include any wages, bonuses, or other income you would have earned if you had not been involved in the accident.
- Property damage: If your property was damaged in the accident, such as your car or other personal belongings, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your property.
- Future expenses: If your injuries require ongoing medical care or other expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for those expenses as well.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for any non-financial losses you have suffered because of the bus accident. These may include:
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for any physical or emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident.
- Emotional distress: If the accident caused you to experience emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have caused you to lose enjoyment of your life, such as your ability to participate in activities you used to enjoy, you may be entitled to compensation for this.
Calculating Damages is Bus Accident Cases
Calculating damages in bus accident cases can be complex, and it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the process. In general, damages will be calculated based on the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery time, and the impact that the accident has had on your life.
Along with this, the damages you are entitled to may be affected by the amount of insurance coverage available. If the bus company or driver had minimal insurance coverage, it might be tricky to try and recover all of your damages. This is why it’s so important to have an attorney on your side who can help you negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Settlements in Bus Accident Cases
In many cases, bus accident cases are settled outside of court. Settlements can be beneficial for both parties, as they can help you avoid the time and expense of a trial. Plus, settlements can provide a faster resolution to the case and give you more control over the outcome.
When negotiating a settlement, it is crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can help you determine a fair settlement amount based on your damages. In general, settlements will be calculated based on the same factors used to calculate damages such as the severity of your injuries and the impact that the accident has had on your life.
It’s essential to remember that once you have accepted a settlement, you may not be able to pursue further legal action related to the accident. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you negotiate a fair settlement that covers all of your damages and ensures you are not short-changed.
Going to Court in Bus Accident Cases
In some cases, it may be necessary to go to court to receive fair compensation for your injuries. This may happen if the bus company or driver denies liability or refuses to offer a fair settlement. Going to court can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it may be worth it to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you decide to go to court, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who specializes in bus accidents. At Kim & Spencer Freeman Law, our lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. We’ll work closely with you to gather evidence, build a strong case, and present your case in court.
The amount of compensation you receive through going to court will ultimately be up to the judge or jury. However, your attorney can help you present a strong case that highlights the extent of your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life.
Have you or a loved one been involved in a bus accident? Let us help you understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. Our experienced attorneys will be there every step of the way, providing representation so you can focus on your recovery and move forward from the accident with peace of mind. Contact us today:
- Olympia – 400 Union Ave SE, Ste 200, Olympia, WA 98501
- Tacoma – 1107 1/2 Tacoma Avenue S, Tacoma, WA 98402
Call now for a free consultation on (253) 383-4500 and (360) 338-6886.
