If you were involved in an accident with a bus or sustained injuries as a passenger, you may be able to receive compensation. Bus accident victims may be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Insurers will try to limit their liability and the amount they pay to the injured party, but a Bridgeport bus accident attorney could help preserve the claimant’s rights and negotiate on their behalf. These efforts can help ensure a result that fairly compensates an accident victim for all their losses and suffering.
The massive size of the bus makes it highly likely that there will be injuries when buses collide with pedestrians or other vehicles. Buses also are inclined to roll, injuring passengers and possibly the occupants of other vehicles. If negligence caused the accident, then compensation could be available to the injured parties.
There are many things a bus accident attorney in Bridgeport could look for when investigating the collision and determining liability. Some of the common elements to look for after a bus accident include:
Per Connecticut Code Sec. 52-572h, a party’s obligation to pay damages to an injured person depends on their degree of responsibility for the accident. That means that several insurance companies are likely to be involved in trying to settle the matter, each trying to place blame on someone else. A seasoned Bridgeport bus accident lawyer is accustomed to handling negotiations with multiple parties at once and can keep the focus on the needs of the injured client.
In Bridgeport, accident victims have two years to file a claim for compensation for their injuries. The two-year period begins the date of the accident. In the case of injuries that are not immediately apparent, the two-year period begins when the person became aware of the injury.
Municipalities, school districts, and the state often provide transportation services that include buses, and there are special rules if one of those publicly-owned buses injures someone. The injured person must notify the potential defendant that there may be a lawsuit within a short time—in some cases, as soon as 90 days after the accident, long before the statute of limitations expires. A Bridgeport bus accident attorney is familiar with these special rules and can make sure to file the proper notices on time to preserve the client’s rights.
Sometimes insurance companies may engage in lengthy, drawn-out negotiations with an injured party in hopes of running out the statute of limitations. If a lawsuit is not started on time, the injured party may be unable to recover compensation for damages. That is why it is vital to have a seasoned bus accident lawyer to keep the process moving and, if necessary, file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
Insurance companies have teams of experienced lawyers to defend against the claims injured people file against their clients. After a bus accident, you need a team too to help preserve your rights, otherwise, the insurance company may try to get you to settle for less than what you deserve.
With a Bridgeport bus accident lawyer on your side, you will have the support and knowledge necessary to pursue your claims so that you can concentrate on your recovery. Call today to schedule a consultation.