Being involved in a serious bus accident can drastically change your life in an instant. From suffering injuries to dealing with medical expenses and lost wages, it leaves victims and families struggling to find their footing at a vulnerable time.
But you don’t have to shoulder that burden alone—the Mishawaka bus accident lawyers of Vaughan and Vaughan can help. Our firm has been serving accident victims in Indiana for decades, and we have years of experience helping people harmed by others’ negligence.
Whether it’s a school bus, city transit, or commercial coach, our Mishawaka personal injury lawyers can help to maximize your compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You deserve justice – working together, we can help deliver it.
How Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Claim?
Our Mishawaka bus accident lawyers can take on the complex task of handling your claim when multiple people or companies could be at fault. We will thoroughly investigate the case to determine who was responsible.
We can put the pieces together to form a whole picture. Based on the evidence we find, we will be able to strategically negotiate with each insurance company or defendant on your behalf.
Our attorneys will fight for the maximum settlement amount while ensuring that your case is prepared for litigation if necessary.
Benefits of Working with A Lawyer
Here are some of the key benefits of hiring a lawyer after a bus accident injury:
- Ensures your claim is handled properly. The claims process can be complex, so an experienced attorney knows how to navigate insurance procedures and negotiations.
- Maximizes the value of your claim. Your lawyer will aggressively pursue all compensatory damages you are entitled to for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering due to the accident.
- Holds negligent parties fully accountable. An attorney will build a strong liability case to help place blame on those responsible, such as a careless driver or bus company.
- Provides representation if litigation is needed. While many claims are settled, some require suing in court. Your lawyer is equipped to handle the trial if necessary.
- Alleviates stress during recovery. You can focus fully on healing instead of worrying about financial or legal issues. Our bus accident lawyers in Mishawaka take care of all communication and processes.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
What Causes Bus Accidents?
Here are some common causes of bus accidents:
- Driver error/negligence – This includes speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, improper passing, etc. Many accidents involve driver mistakes.
- Mechanical failure – Defective brakes, tires blowing out, engine issues, suspension problems, and other mechanical faults can potentially cause loss of vehicle control. If the bus company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, they may be held liable.
- Poor road conditions – Hazards like debris, potholes, leftover snow/ice, construction areas, or lack of streetlights increase accident risk. If there was a hazard that should have been addressed by a municipal agency responsible for road upkeep, they may be responsible for your accident damages.
- Passenger misconduct – Actions of unruly or disruptive passengers can distract the driver or otherwise influence driving ability.
- Traffic incident related – Being involved in or the unintended consequence of another vehicle collision on the roadway.
- Weather impact – Heavy rain, fog, wind, or other extreme weather sharply increases risk for buses with higher profiles/weight. If the driver failed to compensate for adverse weather, they or their employers could be liable for your accident injuries.
Your lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your claim to identify the cause and all potentially liable parties. When we pursue all responsible parties, your chances of recovering maximum financial compensation are increased.
There is no fee
unless you win
How We Investigate a Bus Accident
A thorough investigation is crucial to building the strongest case possible. By thoroughly examining the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries and losses, your attorney can properly identify who is at fault and, therefore, responsible for compensation.
This establishes liability and allows us to hold negligent parties fully accountable. Additionally, a complete investigation maximizes the recovery available by demonstrating your damages. Leaving no detail unaddressed ensures you receive the full scope of financial relief permitted under law.
This positions you to rightfully demand fair compensation. Most importantly, a diligent investigation lays the essential groundwork for achieving the best potential outcome and securing justice against careless defendants through settlement or trial.
Here are some details about how we investigate bus accident claims:
- The first step is a thorough review of police and other official reports to understand what happened. However, these often only scratch the surface, so our attorneys supplement them with their own fact-finding.
- We work to obtain all available video footage showing pre-impact, impact, and post-impact details. This can reveal crucial clues overlooked by others.
- Our investigators inspect the accident location, vehicle(s), signage, and any other physical evidence. A visual assessment provides real-world context.
- We work to identify and interview independent eyewitnesses who are not associated with parties. First-hand accounts untainted by bias are important.
- Medical records, bills, and reports from treating physicians are gathered and assessed. This establishes the nature and extent of injuries.
- Expert reconstruction is conducted if needed, with engineers analyzing factors like speed, road/weather conditions, and vehicle functioning.
- If defendants resist disclosure, our legal team subpoenas any additional documents, such as maintenance records, route plans, and driver qualifications/history, through court orders.
A strong investigation lays the critical groundwork for achieving the best possible outcome in your legal claim against the at-fault parties. It significantly improves your chances for a fair, maximum recovery.
How Much Does it Cost to Work With a Bus Accident Attorney in Mishawaka?
Vaughan and Vaughan work on contingency, which means there is no upfront charge for our services. Rather than charging hourly fees, we only collect our fees if the case concludes favorably. This could be through a negotiated settlement with the at-fault parties or their insurers or a court-awarded judgment.
You would owe nothing unless a monetary recovery is achieved. Contingency gives victims access to representation while undergoing medical treatment and recovery without worrying about large legal bills. Further, it serves as a suitable incentive for the attorney to strive for the best possible result.
Contact a Mishawaka Bus Accident Law Firm Today for a Free Case Evaluation
After experiencing the trauma of a serious bus accident, focusing on recovery should be the priority. Our Mishawaka bus accident attorneys are dedicated to alleviating additional burdens by diligently investigating your claim and holding responsible parties fully accountable.
While no settlement can undo the effects of the incident, obtaining fair compensation can help with your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today to begin. You do not have to face these challenges alone – by choosing Vaughan and Vaughan as your advocates, justice, and support are within reach.
