I-465 around Indianapolis is famously unkind to unfamiliar travelers. If you’re staying in downtown Indianapolis, though, you may find yourself forgoing the infamous Spaghetti Bowl in favor of local transportation. While the convenience of local transportation is one of its biggest draws, there are still some dangers to which you can fall prey. Bus drivers who behave negligently behind the wheel, fail to train for roadway driving, or deliberately endanger themselves can cause multi-vehicle accidents. These accidents can leave you with significant injuries and bills. Fortunately, you can bring a bus driver’s negligence to our Indianapolis bus accident attorney from Vaughan & Vaughan. Contact our law firm today by calling (463) 241-6483 or by filling out our online contact form to claim your free consultation.
Why Choose Vaughan & Vaughan For Your Indianapolis Bus Accident Claim?
Not all law firms are created equal. When you choose Vaughan & Vaughan, you get a team of seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers with a long history of winning tough cases and standing up to insurance companies.
- Over a century of experience – Representing injury victims in Indiana since 1913.
- Proven track record – Millions recovered for victims across Indiana.
- Focused on Indiana law – Deep understanding of state-specific laws and how they impact your claim.
- Open communication – We keep our clients informed throughout every step of the legal process and are always available to answer questions and address concerns.
- Strong negotiators & trial lawyers – Prepared to take cases to court if insurance companies refuse fair compensation.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
What Our Clients Have to Say
★★★★★
“..[T]hey fight for the top dollar and will not stop until they are certain that is all they can get you. I will forever recommend them to anyone that is in need of their services!! Thank you so much to the Vaughan and Vaughan team!”
Courtney V. | Google Review
There is no fee
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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident in Indianapolis?
If you’ve been hurt in a bus accident, identifying who’s legally responsible is one of the first and most important steps in pursuing compensation. In Indianapolis, liability can fall on different parties depending on the circumstances of the crash. Independent Bus Drivers Some buses operating in Indianapolis are driven by independent contractors rather than company employees. If your accident involved a privately owned charter or tour bus, the driver may be personally liable. Since they’re not direct employees, their contracting company typically isn’t responsible, you would need to file a claim against the driver and their insurance provider directly. Private Bus Companies When a bus driver is employed by a private company, such as a regional charter service or transportation business, that company can be held responsible for accidents caused by their employee’s negligence. However, these companies often have legal teams working to protect their interests. If you’re dealing with a private carrier, our Indianapolis bus accident lawyer is prepared to handle negotiations and fight for the compensation you deserve. IndyGo and Other Government Entities If your accident involved an IndyGo bus, the situation becomes more complex. IndyGo is a government-operated service, and claims involving public transit require following strict procedures and deadlines. You may be able to hold the city accountable if your injuries were caused by:
- A negligent IndyGo driver
- Poorly maintained buses
- Dangerous road conditions that the city failed to address
However, local and state government entities often have qualified immunity, which makes it harder, but not impossible, to sue them. Our legal team understands the procedures required to file a valid claim against IndyGo or any other government agency in Indianapolis.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bus Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These cover the financial costs of the crash as well as the personal toll it takes on your life.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses – hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical needs
- Lost income – wages you missed while recovering and any reduced earning capacity
- Property damage – repairs or replacement for your car, phone, or other personal items
- Out-of-pocket costs – transportation, home care, and other necessary expenses related to the injury
Non-economic damages compensate for the more personal impact of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering – physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life – if your injuries prevent you from doing things you once enjoyed
- Emotional trauma – anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the crash
While you’ll need evidence to support your claim, your attorney will help handle that part. Your focus should be on recovery while they fight for the compensation you deserve.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Bus Accident?
If you were partly to blame for a bus accident in Indiana, you’re not automatically blocked from seeking money for your injuries, but what you get can be reduced. Indiana follows what’s called a modified comparative fault system.
If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the crash, you’re still able to file a claim for damages. However, the total amount you can recover will be reduced in proportion to your level of blame.
IC 34-51-2-6 Barring of recovery; degree of contributory fault
Sec. 6. (a) In an action based on fault that is brought against: (1) one (1) defendant; or (2) two (2) or more defendants who may be treated as a single party; the claimant is barred from recovery if the claimant’s contributory fault is greater than the fault of all persons whose fault proximately contributed to the claimant’s damages. (b) In an action based on fault that is brought against two (2) or more defendants, the claimant is barred from recovery if the claimant’s contributory fault is greater than the fault of all persons whose fault proximately contributed to the claimant’s damages. [Pre-1998 Recodification Citation: 34-4-33-4.]
For example, if you are found 20% responsible, whatever settlement or verdict you win will be cut by 20%. If you are assigned more than half the responsibility – over 50% – Kentucky law says you can’t recover compensation at all. That’s why it’s especially important to make your case clearly and push back against any arguments that overstate your share of the blame.
What Evidence Can Be Used in an Indianapolis Bus Accident Claim?
When you move to name another party liable for your bus accident losses, you need to present evidence to back your assertion of fault alongside your civil claim. This evidence must indicate that the named party violated the duty of care owed to you at the time of your accident. Viable forms of evidence that you can use to establish liability can include:
- Video footage of an accident
- Photos of an accident
- Social media posts discussing your accident
- Physical debris and damaged property from the scene
- Bystander input
- Expert witness statements
This same evidence can come in handy when you move to argue for the financial support you deserve in the face of your losses. You can calculate an estimate of your total-owed compensation with an attorney during your pre-trial conversations. So long as we can defend your request for financial support, you can argue for your right to coverage. You’ll want to work with an Indianapolis bus accident attorney to establish an estimate of your case’s total value early into your pursuit of compensation. Knowing the value of your case makes it easier for you to shoot down insufficient settlement offers. It also gives you a negotiating point to start from, should you want to try and resolve your case outside of court.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Indiana?
Under Indiana Code §34-11-2-4 bus accident survivors have two years from the day of the accident to file a bus accident claim. If you don’t act within this timeline, you may lose your right to financial support as awarded through the Indiana civil court system. If you are unsure if you can file a claim or not, our Indianapolis bus accident lawyer can listen to you case and provide guidance and next steps.
Can Passengers, Pedestrians, or Other Drivers File Claims After a Bus Accident?
Yes, if you’re injured in a bus accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. Bus accidents typically affect a lot of people, so several possible groups may qualify for compensation:
Bus Passengers
If you were riding the bus and got hurt in a collision, you can file a claim against the bus company or any other at-fault driver. Whether the crash happened on a public transit bus or a private charter, passengers are often entitled to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
People injured as pedestrians or when riding a bicycle can also bring claims if a bus hit them or contributed to the crash. It’s helpful to speak with an Indianapolis pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more about your rights.
Other Drivers or Motorcyclists
If your own vehicle or motorcycle was struck by a bus or you were caught up in the crash due to a bus driver’s negligence, you may pursue a legal claim against the at-fault party and possibly the employer of the bus driver as well. Filing car accident and motorcycle claims as a result of a bus accident can be complicated, so make sure you speak with a lawyer as soon as you are able to.
What if a School Bus Was Involved in the Accident?
When a school bus is involved in an accident, the process for seeking compensation is a bit different from a typical car crash, mostly because school buses are usually operated by public schools or local government agencies.
How Is a School Bus Accident Different?
If the bus is owned or operated by a public school district or another government agency, they’ll likely have immunity from certain lawsuits or damage claims unless your case fits specific exceptions. That doesn’t mean you can’t obtain compensation, but there are specific requirements you need to follow. Usually, you must file a formal notice of your intent to sue within a short period after the accident – typically within 180 days or 270 of the incident, depending on which government entity is involved in the claim.
Who May Have a Claim?
Injured students, bus passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, bicyclists, and even parents of children affected may all have standing to make a legal claim. There could be different coverage limits or processes if the bus was operated by a private company under contract with the school. Because of these complexities, it’s important to work with a lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t miss the deadline or make any mistakes when filing your claim or lawsuit.
What If I Lost My Loved One in a Bus Accident?
Losing a loved one in a bus accident is heartbreaking and life-altering, but Indiana law does provide a mechanism for families to pursue accountability and compensation. Close family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim as a way to seek justice and help with costs associated with the loss as well as future financial and emotional impacts. Filing a
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for an Adult
If the victim was an adult, only the court-appointed personal representative of their estate (named in the will or picked by the court) can bring the wrongful death lawsuit. While it’s this representative who brings the case to court, the damages awarded will support surviving family, like a spouse, children, or others substantially dependent on the loved one. Filing a Wrongful
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for a Child
The process is slightly different if a child is lost. In most cases, one or both parents can bring the wrongful death claim. If the parents are divorced, the parent who has legal custody of the child has the right to file on their behalf. When parents do not have custody, because of court orders, adoption, or the parents’ own passing, the responsibility falls to a legal guardian. In situations where the custodial parent is no longer alive, a court-appointed personal representative becomes the party able to file the lawsuit. Wrongful death claims have many specific steps and deadlines. Getting help from an Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer is essential to getting what you’re entitled to.
Contact Our Indianapolis Bus Accident Attorney Today to Claim Your Free Consultation
In the end, it doesn’t matter if a bus driver operates independently, works for the city, or is employed by a private company. If a bus driver’s negligence resulted in an accident and your subsequent losses, you can take civil action against that offending party. OurIndianapolis bus accident lawyers can give you the legal advice you need to move a claim forward. Contact our firm by filling out our online contact form or by calling (463) 241-6483. Let us put our decades of legal experience to use for you.
