Buses can be a hazard to others on the road due to their sheer size and weight. Because these vehicles are so large, they often have significant blind spots and a high center of gravity, which increases the risk of overturning the vehicle on sharp curves or corners. When buses collide with passenger cars or pedestrians, the outcomes can be highly dangerous and even fatal.

If you have suffered an injury as the result of a bus accident — whether as a driver, an occupant of another vehicle, or an occupant of the bus — you can seek compensation for your losses with the help of a skilled attorney. A Longmont bus accident lawyer could help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

The Nature of Bus Accidents in Longmont

There are several types of buses that travel the streets every day, including private buses, chartered buses, school buses, and public transit buses. The type of bus involved in a crash can play into how an injury case may proceed, since different parties might be liable in each scenario. A seasoned attorney could help an individual determine the party or parties responsible for the bus collision that led to their injuries.

In some cases, a bus driver’s negligent behavior could be the cause of a dangerous wreck. Negligent driver behaviors that could lead to a bus collision could include distracted driving, alcohol impairment, speeding, or failure to yield.

In addition to operating the bus safely and in accordance with traffic laws, bus drivers also have an increased duty to protect their passengers by ensuring aisles and walkways are free from obstacles that could cause the passenger to trip and that the passenger’s drop-off location is not unreasonably unsafe.

Seeking Compensation After a Bus Accident

When someone is injured in a bus accident, they can seek compensation for the injury’s expenses and quality-of-life impacts through the personal injury claims process. Through this process, an attorney may assist them in determining the value of their claim and demanding that amount from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Insurance policies are the primary payment source for personal injury settlements and awards.

Proving Liability

In a Longmont bus accident claim, an individual and their attorney will need to prove that someone else was responsible for causing the accident by showing:

  • The at-fault party had a duty to protect the safety of others by operating a vehicle in a safe and legal manner;
  • There was a breach in this duty when the at-fault party took actions that were contrary to the duty of protecting the safety of others; and
  • This breach resulted in a bus-involved accident in which they were injured.

Through an injury claim, an individual could obtain compensation for expenses and impacts such as medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage they sustained in the accident, and physical pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Discuss Your Case with a Longmont Bus Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one were injured in a bus collision, you might be unsure of who to turn to for help. You might be facing significant hospital bills, long-term rehabilitation, and more. The last thing you need is a legal headache.

A Longmont bus accident lawyer could relieve some of the burden during this time by acting as your legal advocate in an injury claim. A dedicated attorney from Debbie Taussig could assess your case, gather evidence, and pursue the payments that you deserve. To get started on your case, call our office today.