Crawfordsville Bus Accident Lawyer

When dealing with a major bus accident, obtaining compensation for your injuries isn't always easy. There can be many factors involved that complicate the matter quickly. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another motorist involved in a crash with a bus, Vaughan & Vaughan will provide personalized attention from the moment of filing all the way through any legal proceedings that may ensue. Our firm can represent you in a personal injury claim and in interactions with insurance representatives. The Crawfordsville bus accident lawyers of Vaughan and Vaughan can defend your rights as an injury victim and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Negligence in a Bus Accident Injury Claim

Proving that negligence occurred must be done to win a case against a bus driver who caused an accident. Under the law, negligence can be proven if a duty of care is owed to someone by another party and that duty was violated. In a bus accident, this duty of care is owed to any passengers on the bus or other drivers on the road at the time of the crash. If a bus driver breaches their duty in regard to their passengers by violating traffic laws such as speed limits or careless driving, negligence is easier to prove.  However, when other cars are involved, proving negligence can be more difficult. There may be several parties pointing the finger at each other.  Further, the owners of the bus may dispute liability. To best protect your interests and ensure your rights are upheld, it is advisable to work with a Crawfordsville bus accident attorney.

Who Else Can Be Held Responsible for My Bus Accident Injuries?

The individuals or entities responsible for a bus accident will change based on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Multiple parties may share blame for an accident, depending on the circumstances. Even if the accident victim partially caused the incident, he or she may still be eligible for compensation. Those responsible for bus accidents could be:

• Owner/operator/driver of a bus
• Owner of a charter bus service
• Transport operators or educational institutions 
• A school district
• Participants from other cars involved in the accident
• A business that handles bus repairs and maintenance
• Transportation authorities at the municipal, county, or state level

According to Indiana's comparative negligence laws, a plaintiff can still recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount of damages is reduced in proportion to the plaintiff's degree of fault. A bus accident attorney in Crawfordsville can help defend you against any false accusations of liability to preserve your claim.

What Are Some Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Crawfordsville, Indiana?

Here are some common causes of bus accidents:

Driver Error or Negligence

This includes speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, and improper lane changes by the bus driver. A police report or eyewitnesses can be valuable evidence to prove negligence in this situation.

Mechanical Failure

Parts like brakes, steering, and tire failure can cause loss of vehicle control and accidents. Buses need to be well maintained. You may be able to hold the bus company or maintenance providers liable with help from a Crawfordsville bus accident attorney.

Other Vehicle Collisions

Inattentive or reckless drivers of other vehicles may collide with buses, especially when merging, changing lanes, or passing the bus. When other cars are involved, your lawyer can investigate to identify all possible sources of liability to ensure that your losses are fully compensated.

Passenger Misconduct

Passengers engaging in fighting, throwing things, or otherwise distracting the driver can lead to accidents. The passengers and possibly the bus company may be held liable. A bus accident lawyer in Crawfordsville can evaluate the situation and seek compensation for injuries from the parties at fault.

Fatigued Driving

Driving for long periods of time without proper rest breaks can cause bus drivers to lose focus and have slower reaction times. A driver or the driver's employer could potentially be held financially responsible in this circumstance.

Inadequate Training

Bus drivers who have not been sufficiently trained in defensive driving skills, handling large vehicles, and emergency procedures are more prone to accidents. The entity employing the drivers can be held liable if lack of training was a factor. Your attorney can help you find evidence to prove negligence if this is a factor.

What to Do After a Bus Accident

The first step to take following a bus accident is to seek medical attention. Bus accidents often result in serious injuries, and the victims should be assessed as soon as possible. A doctor can determine whether there are any life-threatening injuries that need to be treated right away.  After receiving medical care, you should then document the details of the accident. This can include taking pictures of the scene, recording contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened, or gathering evidence such as skid marks or damage to the vehicles involved. Get the contact information for any other drivers involved in the crash, and make sure you obtain a copy of the police report. Reach out to a bus accident lawyer in Crawfordsville immediately so they can begin to gather evidence before it deteriorates. These steps will provide essential evidence when filing an insurance claim or potential legal action in court over damages suffered as a result of the bus accident. 

Contact a Crawfordsville Law Firm About Your Bus Accident Claim

When involved in a bus accident, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The personal injury lawyers of Vaughan & Vaughan can protect victims from succumbing to unfair settlements due to the influences of insurance companies and other parties that are on the side of the bus company. Your medical bills and wage losses can be substantial, which is why having an experienced lawyer by your side is so important. You should not have to suffer financially due to an incident caused by someone else's negligence or recklessness. The attorneys of Vaughan & Vaughan work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no out-of-pocket cost or financial risk to you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you in a free consultation.