Buses are much larger than cars and are capable of causing severe damage to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers in the event of an accident. If you were involved in a bus accident, you may be able to receive financial compensation.
A bus accident lawyer in Waterbury can help you understand who you can sue and what kind of compensation you can receive. At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we have over 40 years of combined experience and have won millions for past clients.
Make sure that you understand the law before pursuing a lawsuit. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Waterbury personal injury lawyer during a free consultation.
Why Choose The Law Offices of James A. Welcome?
After a serious bus accident, choosing the right legal representation is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Here is what sets The Law Offices of James A. Welcome apart from other personal injury law firms:
- We have a proven track record of recovering millions of dollars in compensation for injured victims and their families. Our results speak for themselves, and we bring that same level of commitment and determination to every case we take on.
- Serving clients since 2007; with nearly two decades of experience in personal injury law, we have the knowledge, resources, and courtroom credibility to take on even the most complex cases.
- Over 40 years of combined experience on our legal team means we have the depth of knowledge to handle cases like yours, and we know exactly what it takes to win.
- No win, no fee means you pay us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no hidden fees. Our success is directly tied to yours under this contingency fee basis.
- Personalized service is something we take seriously. You will never feel like just a case number here. Our personal injury attorneys take the time to get to know our clients personally, keep you informed every step of the way, and make sure your voice is heard.
- Free consultations are just a phone call away. Contact our personal injury team today and let us help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and determine the best path forward for you and your family.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Waterbury
Buses are much larger than cars, have larger blind spots, and are more difficult to drive. This often makes bus wrecks more serious than car accidents.
Often, bus accidents are caused by bus driver fatigue due to the extensive number of hours that they have to work. Other common causes of bus accidents include defective bus equipment, careless driving, passenger distractions, and inclement weather.
Buses are also more prone to rollovers since they have a higher center of gravity than cars. Additionally, since buses often do not have seat belts, injuries from accidents can be more severe for passengers.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
The consequences of a bus accident can be devastating. You may sustain injuries such as broken bones, lacerations and cuts, whiplash, bruising, sprains, concussions, bleeding, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
Who Can You Sue After a Waterbury Bus Accident?
Lawsuits concerning bus accidents can become complicated, depending on whether the bus is privately or publicly owned. If a bus is privately owned, the legal process for a personal injury lawsuit proceeds normally.
You must file a lawsuit within Connecticut’s statute of limitations, which is two years from the date the injury is either sustained or discovered.
However, if the bus company is owned by a state or local government agency, the legal process will differ. There will be a cap on the amount of damages you may recover, and the procedure will also be stricter.
What if There Is a Third Party?
If you are involved in an accident with a bus and a motor vehicle driver, you may also be able to sue the motor vehicle driver. The procedures for this would follow those of a typical personal injury lawsuit, and you would be able to receive compensation from the driver’s insurance company.
Additionally, outside of the bus company and depending on the circumstances around your motor vehicle accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the bus driver, the company that maintains the bus, and the manufacturers of the bus’s equipment.
It is important to consult with our personal injury attorneys in Waterbury about all your options.
What Compensation Can I Receive in Waterbury?
Settlements vary based on the circumstances of your accident. If your injuries are particularly severe and the bus driver was negligent or careless in some way, your settlement could be over $100,000.
Typically, you are entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic damages:
- Medical expenses for your injury (past and future medical bills)
- Lost wages
- Loss of benefits
- Wrongful death damages
Non–economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional anguish
- Loss of consortium
What About Comparative Negligence?
Connecticut is a comparative negligence state, meaning that if a plaintiff is partially responsible for the accident, they can still recover damages. Specifically, Connecticut follows modified comparative negligence.
This means that the plaintiff cannot recover damages if they are found to be more than 50% at fault. If they are able to recover damages, the amount will be reduced based on the percentage of their fault.
For instance, if the settlement amount is $40,000 but the plaintiff is found 30% at fault, they would recover $28,000 in damages. If there are multiple defendants, they must pay the amount of compensation based on their percentage of fault. To learn more, call our Waterbury bus accident lawyers.
Get a Free Consultation With a Waterbury Bus Accident Attorney
When a bus accident turns your life upside down, you need an experienced legal team that knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our bus accident lawyers in Waterbury have the knowledge and the determination to take on your bus crash case.
Don’t wait to get the help you need after a personal injury. Contact The Law Offices of James A. Welcome today to schedule your free consultation and let our bus accident lawyers go to work for you. If English isn’t your first language, we have one of the largest bilingual personal injury law offices in the state.
Visit our FAQ page to learn more about personal injury claims.
