Were you hurt in a collision with a bus driver? It’s understandable if you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and confused after a crash like this, but you aren’t alone. Instead, contact a Bridgeport personal injury lawyer for legal representation.
After all, you have the right to take legal action and pursue compensation after the accident. It all starts with speaking to a bus accident lawyer in Bridgeport who can take on your case. At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience.
Since 2007, we have recovered millions in compensation. As one of the largest bilingual injury law firms in Connecticut, we’re able to serve a wide range of clients, including Spanish-speaking individuals who may feel more comfortable discussing their situation in their native language.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident?
A confusing aspect of bus-involved collision cases is figuring out who is responsible. Unlike a typical car accident, liability is often shared among multiple parties. Your bus accident attorney in Bridgeport will need to investigate whether the bus driver acted negligently. These are a few examples of negligent behavior:
- Speeding
- Driving while distracted
- Failing to follow traffic laws
They can also look into whether the bus company failed to properly train drivers, maintain the vehicle, or enforce safety protocols. In some cases, a third party could also be involved. For example, let’s say another driver may have caused the accident.
Alternatively, a maintenance company could have failed to properly service the bus. More specifically, if the accident involved a public transit bus, then a government agency might be part of the case, which brings up additional legal considerations.
What to Know About Connecticut’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Understanding how Connecticut law applies to your situation is not something everyone is prepared for, especially while recovering from injuries. However, your lawyer can explain this. In the meantime, it helps to know Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
In other words, you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. That said, your compensation will be lowered based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims to reduce what they have to pay, but Bridgeport bus accident attorneys know how to protect you from unfair blame while building a case that reflects what actually happened.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bus Accident?
Many victims underestimate the full impact of a bus accident, but your Bridgeport bus accident attorney can let you know what you can pursue compensation for, including medical expenses, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and future care needs.
Lost wages are another major factor, especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to work right away. In more serious cases, you could also be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity as well as pain and suffering.
While this type of damage is harder to quantify, it is no less important than the others. Also, in wrongful death cases, surviving family members might be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses.
Why Are Bus Accident Cases More Complicated Than Other Accidents?
Bus accident cases often involve more nuance than standard car accidents, and that can catch victims off guard. One reason is the number of people involved. A single bus accident can affect dozens of passengers, each with their own injuries and claims.
This can complicate the process of determining liability and distributing compensation. Another factor is the involvement of large companies or government entities. These organizations often have legal teams and insurance companies working to protect their interests.
Without legal representation, it can be difficult to stand up for yourself. There are also unique safety regulations that apply to buses, and identifying those violations requires a thorough understanding of both state and federal laws, which lawyers have.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Deal With Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies are not always as helpful as they seem. Above all, their goal is often to minimize payouts, and they typically use various tactics to achieve that. A lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf.
This will prevent you from saying something that could be used against you later. They can also evaluate settlement offers to ensure they reflect the true value of your claim. If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can take your case to court.
Having that option often puts pressure on insurers to negotiate more seriously. Additionally, bus accident attorneys in Bridgeport will make sure your interests come first, not the bottom line of an insurance company.
Contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome ASAP For Help From Bus Accident Attorneys in Bridgeport
Taking the first step can feel like the hardest part after getting hit by a bus, but it does not have to be complicated when you call the Law Offices of James A. Welcome for help. We can serve as your Bridgeport bus accident attorney, review the details of your case, and explain your options.
From there, we can let you know what to expect as your case proceeds, and we will help you make informed decisions without rushing you or pressuring you. Our clients benefit from direct access to experienced attorneys who prioritize personalized service and real results.
From start to finish, our law firm focuses on delivering results you can trust. We’re equipped to handle all types of bus accident claims, and we will do everything we can to fight for a favorable outcome in your case.
