You ride a bus and get hurt in an accident. Or, you drive your car, and a bus driver slams their vehicle into yours. In either of these scenarios and many others, get help from a Moorestown bus accident lawyer to review your legal options.
If you want legal help after a bus accident, Demand Rand. Let Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer put our 200 years of legal experience to work for you. Get in touch with us to discuss your case with our Moorestown personal injury lawyer.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
You do not expect a bus accident to happen. When it does, it is important to respond appropriately with a Moorestown bus accident lawyer — otherwise, you risk doing something that could hurt your chances of securing damages from a liable party. Here are some of the best things to do following your accident:
- Call 911. Medical professionals will come to assist you, and anyone else who is hurt, and police officers will prepare a report that details what happened.
- Get evidence. Capture accident scene photos and videos, since this will be your only opportunity to do so.
- Go to the hospital. Instead of trying to “tough it out,” meet with a doctor, and they can evaluate you and treat your injuries.
- Speak to witnesses. If anyone saw your accident happen, get their contact information, so you can follow up with them and ask them to make a statement about the incident.
- Do not accept responsibility. If you say you are even partly liable, you could compromise your case against a liable party.
In addition to these things, connect with a Moorestown bus accident attorney in the days after your accident. At Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer, we offer a no-fee guarantee for personal injury cases. Contact us today, and we can help you decide if now is the right time to file a claim.
Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident
The at-fault party depends on your accident. For instance, if a bus driver took their eyes off the road and caused your accident, this individual or their employer may be liable. To figure out who is at fault, consult with a bus accident lawyer in Moorestown.
Your lawyer will ask you questions about your accident and learn as much as they can about the incident. Next, they can identify the liable party. If you were driving your car and involved in an accident with a bus, your attorney may help you submit an insurance claim.
The State of New Jersey has insurance requirements for all drivers. You can notify your insurer about your bus accident, and the company may get in touch with the liable party and their insurance provider to negotiate a settlement. Alternatively, there may be times when it is in your best interests to seek damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Moorestown Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
Damages in a Bus Accident Case
Your bus accident attorney in Moorestown can teach you about damages and how they apply to your case. In an injury lawsuit, you may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages. Reasons why a judge or jury may award damages include:
- Car repairs or replacement
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Your lawyer can answer any questions you have relating to damages in a personal injury case. They will encourage you to pursue economic and non-economic compensation. With your attorney’s assistance, you may craft an argument that compels a judge or jury to award you 100% of the damages that you are requesting.
When to File a Lawsuit
The New Jersey statute of limitations for car accidents and bus accidents is two years. You have a maximum of two years to submit a claim for damages based on an accident involving a bus. If you do not file your lawsuit within this window, you may be solely responsible for your accident-related losses.
Your Moorestown bus accident lawyer will not wait around to request damages. Initially, they will examine your case and determine what evidence you can use to support your argument. They may use accident scene photos and videos, medical records, witness statements, and other proof to build an argument that will resonate with a judge or jury.
Once your lawsuit is filed, your Moorestown bus accident attorney continues to advocate for you and protect your legal rights. If the at-fault party or their insurance company proposes a settlement, you can discuss the proposal with your attorney. In a situation where a settlement offer is far less than what your case is actually worth, your lawyer may advise you to decline the proposal.
Proving Fault in a Bus Accident Case
Your lawyer understands what is the meaning of negligence in law. They will explain how negligence relates to your case and why you must show that a liable party was fully at fault for your accident. To prove liability, you must verify that the following elements of negligence were present when your accident happened:
- Duty of Care: A party is expected to act in a reasonable manner and avoid actions that could put people in danger.
- Breach of Duty of Care: The party violated their legal obligation by committing a careless and reckless act.
- Causation: Your accident was the result of the party’s violation of their duty of care.
- Damages: The party’s actions caused you to incur economic or non-economic losses.
As part of personal injury case basics, your lawyer will also give you insights into modified comparative fault and how it can impact your damages. Basically, if you are 1-50% liable for your accident, you can still recover a portion of the damages you request minus your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be ineligible to receive damages.
Ask for Help from a Bus Accident Lawyer in Moorestown
At Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer, we treat every client like a member of our family. We are available to discuss your personal injury case and help you pursue damages from any liable parties. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
