If you are injured in a bus accident, the bus driver, bus company, or a government entity is likely responsible. Which party is liable for your damages depends on the specifics of your accident. In many cases, more than one party could be responsible for your injuries.
It is always a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer when you are hurt in an accident. An attorney can investigate the crash, discover exactly what happened, and identify all liable parties that played a role in the accident.
Our bus accident lawyers in Charlotte have helped our Legal Team recover billions of dollars on behalf of injured North Carolina accident victims. We Stand Up For You®. Call today for your free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your bus accident case.
Determining Responsibility in Bus Accidents
Who is liable if you are injured in a bus accident depends on the type of accident and who was involved. It’s important to discuss your case with an attorney who can unravel the legal responsibilities of each party involved.
Bus Accidents Involving Private Companies
If your bus accident involves a private bus company, the driver is often liable for your injuries. The company itself may be responsible through a legal concept called vicarious liability. The company could also be found at fault for negligent hiring, training, maintenance, or scheduling.
Accidents With City and Government-Owned Buses
The driver or government agency can be responsible for your injuries in cases of accidents with government-owned buses. However, North Carolina has immunity from prosecution in many cases, with only a narrow avenue for pursuing compensation through the North Carolina Tort Claims Act.
Third-Party Responsibilities in Bus Accidents
Sometimes a third party could be responsible if you are injured in a bus accident. For example, if a negligent motorist caused the bus to swerve and caused a crash, they could be liable for your damages. Our team’s investigation will reveal all liable parties.
Contributory Negligence in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of only a few states that follows a pure contributory negligence system of accidents. This means, even if you are determined to be only 1% responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovering damages.
This is one more reason working with a personal injury lawyer is so important. Insurance companies may try to use this law to avoid paying your compensation. We will push back and show that their client is fully liable for your injuries.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
The steps you take after you are injured in a bus accident can have a strong impact on your legal case. Consider the following actions in the hours and days after the crash.
Keep Up With Your Medical Care
Comply with your doctor’s instructions and keep up with all appointments. This not only helps facilitate your recovery, but it also creates a complete medical record and shows you are serious about your injury.
Contact an Attorney
Call us as soon as possible after your bus accident. When we get involved from the beginning, we can handle communication with the respondent party’s insurance company and help you avoid common mistakes.
Report Your Accident to the Police
Immediately after the crash, you can call 911. After the accident, if the police did not arrive on the scene and complete an accident report, you can report the accident to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department.
Inform Your Auto Insurance Provider
Even though the accident wasn’t your fault, it’s still a good idea to report it to your auto insurance company. In fact, this may be a requirement of your policy.
Collect Evidence
If possible, gather as much evidence as you can in the immediate aftermath of your accident. Our Legal Team will conduct an investigation, and any information you can provide will be helpful.
Write a Narrative
Writing a short explanation of how the accident happened, from your perspective, can help your attorneys as well. Stick to the facts and don’t speculate or admit any wrongdoing.
Protect Your Information
Sharing too much information about your accident, especially on social media, is often a big mistake. Insurance companies may pay attention to your activities and attempt to use your words against you.
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Get Help When You’ve Been in a Bus Crash
The bus driver and bus company are often responsible if you are in a bus accident. In some cases, a government entity could play a role. Other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and even bus passengers could share responsibility if their activities contributed to your accident and injuries.
Because bus accidents can be complicated, it’s a good idea to contact our attorneys and talk about what happened. If you have a case, we’ll identify all responsible parties, file your claim, and fight for maximum compensation that completely addresses your hardships.
At CR Legal Team, previously known as Crumley Roberts, we Stand by our Core Values: Care Like Family, Listen To Learn, and Do What’s Right. If you have been injured in a bus accident that wasn’t your fault, we’re here to help. Call now for your free consultation.
