You may rely on buses for your everyday commute, for transportation to special events, or even for your kids to get to school. Buses do not crash too often, but when an accident occurs, you may suffer significant physical harm. Some injuries may permanently affect your life, your family, and your future.
The bus company’s insurance may be expected to pay for your injuries and associated costs but that is not always the case. Often, the insurance company attempts to avoid any liability, so you may need an attorney’s help to prove the driver’s negligence. A Lima bus accident lawyer may be able to help you prepare for a trial and verify that the bus company’s actions resulted in the injuries you are suffering from.
Bus Accident Injuries
Most buses do not have seatbelts and buses carry large numbers of passengers. Because of these factors and a bus’s size, accidents may result in severe or fatal accidents. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Sprains
- Abrasions
- Fractures
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal and soft tissue damage
- Concussions
Sometimes it may take months or even years before a victim can assess the extent of damages. During that time, a victim may experience medical bills for surgery and rehabilitation, lost wages, damage to property, and other non-financial losses. A Lima bus accident lawyer may be able to clarify what damages apply in your specific case.
Causes of Bus Accidents
No matter why an accident occurred, the victim may have the right to recover for their damages. Some common causes leading to bus accident injuries are:
- Driver fatigue
- Improper training of driver
- Violation of traffic laws
- Defective equipment on the bus
- Too many passengers on the bus
Bus Accident Laws in Lima
If someone breached their duty to act reasonably towards a person, causing injury, that injured person might have a claim against the actor. The injured person will need to show that their injury resulted from the actor’s breach, and the injured party received harm.
In Lima, if the victim bears some responsibility for the accident, the injured person may still recover compensation as long as their amount of fault is 50 percent or less as described in Ohio Revised Code §2315.33.
Statute of Limitations
If a bus accident causes injury to a person, the victim must bring their claim within two years of when the accident, as found in Ohio Code §2305.10. This is why it is important to hire a Lima bus accident lawyer soon to start your case.
Types of Damages
The legal system cannot give back time, use of limbs, or physical suffering. A victim may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life. If an accident caused a loved one permanent injury or death, a living relative might have a claim.
Speak with a Lima Bus Accident Lawyer to Learn More
If a bus accident hurt you or a loved one, you may want to reach out to an attorney to learn more about your rights. Before you accept a settlement that may be too low to cover all your expenses, schedule a meeting with a Lima bus accident lawyer. Once you agree to a settlement, you usually cannot go back.