Milwaukee Bus Accident Lawyer

Indianapolis Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are a common mode of transportation in large cities, and as a result, bus accidents are also common. Though some buses have seatbelts, passengers can still be injured when not wearing them in accidents.

Injuries can range from mild to severe and can even be fatal. When buses make sudden stops or when the bus driver is not driving safely, passengers can be thrown forward or sideways, resulting in injuries.

Passengers and other drivers injured in bus accidents should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if they believe their injuries are minor.

Were you injured in a bus accident, or did you lose a loved one with fatal injuries? The personal injury attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, represent personal injury victims harmed by a commercial carrier, public transit, or school bus.

Contact Indianapolis bus accident lawyer from our legal team today to schedule a free consultation and free case evaluation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our Indianapolis bus accident attorneys remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

National Bus Accident Statistics

Every year, there are thousands of bus accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,832 bus wrecks in 2020. These accidents resulted in 4,471 injuries and 219 fatalities.

Most bus accidents occur on local roads, not highways.
In 2020, 73% of bus wrecks happened on local roads, while only 27% happened on highways.
Approximately two-thirds of bus fatalities occur in highway accidents.
Most bus wreck victims are passengers, not drivers.
In 2020, passengers accounted for 82% of all bus accident fatalities.

Indiana Bus Accident Data

Drivers accounted for only 18% of fatalities because buses are typically much larger than passenger vehicles and have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), there were 1,023 bus accidents in Indiana from 2016 to 2020. Of those accidents, 553 resulted in injuries, and 26 resulted in fatalities.

Indiana had 907 bus wrecks in 2020.
The bus accident fatality rate was 0.7 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
The bus accident injury rate was 25.5 per 100 million VMT.
The most common type of accident for buses in Indiana was a rear-end collision, accounting for 36% of all accidents.
Other common types of bus accidents included sideswipe collisions (15%), turning collisions (11%), and rollovers (8%).
There were no significant changes in the number or type of bus accidents between 2014 and 2015.
Bus crashes are more common in urban areas than in rural areas.
Most bus accidents occur during the daytime (68%).
School buses are the most commonly involved type of bus in accidents, accounting for 47% of all accidents.

Common Causes of Indiana Bus Accidents

In Indiana, bus wrecks are unfortunately all too common. Many factors can contribute to a bus accident, from driver error to road conditions. However, some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Indiana include the following:

Driver fatigue: Many bus drivers work long hours to ensure the passengers arrive on time. The strict schedules can lead to fatigue and mistakes behind the wheel.
Unsafe driving practices: Many bus drivers do not adhere to safe driving practices, leading to accidents.
Poor road conditions: Bus accidents can also be caused by hazardous road conditions, such as icy roads or potholes.
Reckless driving: Some drivers of busses may take risks while driving, which can lead to accidents.
Vehicle mechanical failure: Bus wrecks can also be caused by mechanical problems with the bus itself.
Unsafe passing: Bus drivers may pass other vehicles unsafely, which can lead to accidents.
Distracted driving: Drivers of busses may be distracted while driving, which can lead to accidents.
Tire blowouts: Bus tires can blow out unexpectedly, causing the bus to lose control and crash.
Drunk driving: Drivers of busses may operate their vehicles while intoxicated, which increases the risk of an accident.
Weather conditions: Poor weather conditions can make it difficult for buses to drive safely, leading to accidents.
Overloaded buses: Buses overloaded can be more challenging to control and may be more likely to tip over in an accident.
Defective equipment or parts: Defective equipment on buses can lead to accidents.
Unsafe driving practices: Drivers may engage in unsafe driving practices, such as speeding or reckless driving, which can lead to accidents.
Driver negligence: Negligent drivers of busses and other motorists sharing the road may not pay attention to the road and may cause accidents.
Inadequate driver training: Many bus drivers are not given enough training to deal with the potential hazards of the road, leading to dangerous situations when drivers are unfamiliar with handling a bus in specific conditions.

If you are injured in a city bus accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. You may also want to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal options.

The Bus Driver or Other Motorists: Who Is At Fault In A Bus Crash?

The bus driver or other motorists involved in a bus wreck can be held liable for the accident. Determining who is at fault in a bus accident can be complicated, as multiple factors are often involved.

When a bus wreck happens, there are typically several people or entities who are at fault. The bus driver, the other motorists, and the bus company can all be liable for the damages.

Bus driver: In many cases, the bus operators are at fault. They may not be paying attention to the road, driving too fast, not following the rules of the road, or not adhering to bus safety.
Other drivers: If the other motorists are also at fault, it may be because they were driving too close to the bus, did not yield to the right of way, experienced fatigue, or distracted driving.
Bus company: The bus company can also be held liable if something wrong with the bus caused the accident. This could include brakes, steering system defects, or improperly secured load. Potential defendants could include city-supplied transit buses, commercial bus companies, school bus contractors, and national common carriers.
Bus owner: The owner can be held liable should an accident be caused from the company’s property.
Bus manufacturer: In some cases, the bus manufacturer, tire distributor, or parts supplier could also be liable if a defect contributed to the crash.
Service vendors: Any school district, local government, or large corporation Outsourcing Transportation using bus fleets could be legally liable when performing inferior repairs for not providing sufficient maintenance to ensure passenger safety.
Government agencies: In some cases, the State of Indiana is legally liable for a bus accident when its inspectors fail to identify any safety problems when conducting annual inspections.

Common Injuries in Bus Accident Cases

Injuries in bus accident cases can be particularly severe given the size and weight of the vehicle, often leading to long-term or permanent disability. Passengers can suffer serious injuries when a bus driver is negligent and causes an accident.

Common bus accident injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries sustained in a bus accident can lead to life-threatening brain damage requiring years of physical therapy due to the permanent disability.
Concussions are also common injuries in bus accidents. They can be severe and often require extensive medical treatment.
Spinal cord injuries can be very serious and often lead to paralysis.
Fractures in bones of the arms, legs, or spine can easily fracture in a bus accident. This can lead to long-term problems and disabilities.
Lacerations are cuts that can occur when someone is thrown around in a bus accident. They often require stitches and can leave scars.
Neck injuries can include cervical spine fractures, which can lead to paralysis; disc herniations, which can cause chronic pain; and whiplash, which can cause long-term headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that can occur in a bus accident when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forwards. This can cause severe pain and stiffness in the neck.
Internal injuries can include serious damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs.
When someone is thrown into a hot surface or the bus catches on fire, burns can occur. They often require extensive medical treatment.
Vision loss is a common complication of bus accidents and can often be permanent.
Hearing loss is a common complication of bus accidents and can often be permanent.
Amputations can occur when someone is thrown against something sharp or when they lose a limb in the crash. They often require extensive medical treatment.
Eye injuries can occur when something flies into the eye or when the eyes are exposed to chemicals. They often require extensive medical treatment.
Wrongful death Sadly, death is also a common outcome of bus accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. An accident lawyer from our law office can help you seek compensation for your injuries’ medical bills and other costs you deserve.

Filing An Indianapolis Bus Accident Lawsuit

Were you injured when an Indianapolis bus accident happened? Filing a bus accident case against the at-fault party and their insurance company might be the best option, as this can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Considerations In Bus Accidents

Although buses are generally considered safe, they have an increased risk of injury. Many buses often tip and roll over, and there are no seat belts, airbags, or other safety measures, to protect passengers from harm. These two factors result in passengers sustaining serious injuries.

The person liable in a bus accident lawsuit is not always the bus driver, even though they may have caused the accident. Some buses remain government property, such as a school bus or a city public transit vehicle.

In such a case, if the bus involved in the accident was government property, injured parties must file a claim with the federal or state agency regulating the bus and its drivers. Upon filing a claim against a government entity, a ‘notice to file form’ has to be submitted within 180 or 270 days, depending on the specific situation.

The state of Indiana will respond to the notice within 90 days. Using an attorney to assist with this application is advisable as they can ensure that all the correct information is included in your claim and timeously submitted.

Should the driver of the other vehicle have caused the bus accident, the driver’s insurance provider can be held liable for compensation.

Regardless of what caused the accident, compensation for damages could be claimed for medical bills, lost income, damage to property, physical pain, emotional trauma, and suffering.

What You Need to Know About A Bus Accident Claim

When you are involved in a bus accident, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes time to make a claim.

The defendant’s insurance company will likely try to settle with you quickly and for a low amount. It is important to remember that you are not obligated to accept this offer and that you may be entitled to much more.

To make a successful bus accident claim, you must prove that the bus driver was negligent. by providing evidence like speeding, driving recklessly, or failing to stop at a red light.

Injury victims may also be able to recover damages if they were injured in the accident. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When Bus Operators Are Injured in Bus Crashes

When a bus operator is injured on the job, they may be able to file for Worker’s Compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical expenses and lost wages and can help the injured bus operator get back on their feet.

Workers’ compensation benefits can be a huge help after a bus accident. Workers’ compensation is a system that benefits employees who are injured or become ill due to their job.

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must have been injured while on the job or developed an illness due to your work.

If you are injured in a bus accident, contact the bus accident lawyers at the Injury Lawyer team for a free consultation for legal counsel to learn more about your rights and how to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

Indiana Law: The Statute of Limitations On Filing Personal Injury Cases

When filing a personal injury claim in Indiana, it is essential to know the state’s statute of limitations. This law sets a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident.

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, meaning you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date to pursue compensation. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to sue.

It is important to note that the statute of limitations applies to personal injury and property damage claims. Contact a personal injury lawyer from our law office for legal advice.

Navigating the Legal Process of an Indianapolis Personal Injury Case

When you are involved in a bus accident, seeking compensation from liable parties can be daunting. However, an experienced attorney can assist. Here are some tips on how to seek compensation in a bus wreck case:

Notify the Bus Company: The sooner you notify the bus company of the accident, the sooner they can begin their investigation.
Gather Evidence: Make sure to gather evidence at the scene of the accident, including photos of the wreckage and any injuries sustained.
Seek Medical Attention: It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you think you are not injured. Many injuries do not manifest until later, and it is vital to have a record of your injuries if you decide to pursue a claim.
Contact an Attorney: It is wise to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. They can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Stay Informed: It is essential to stay informed about the progress of your case and what steps the attorney is taking, ensuring your case is handled correctly and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Can an Indianapolis Bus Accident Lawyer from Injury Legal Team Do For You?

When you have been involved in a bus wreck, you must focus on emotionally and physically recuperating. Injury Legal Team will gather all the evidence required to support your lawsuit and hold responsible parties liable, such as:

Visiting the accident scene to take photographs, measure the scene and gain access to any video footage from nearby traffic cams or remote security cameras
Find all the witnesses and obtain their complete statements
Get a court order to prevent any tampering on the bus to allow our experts to examine the tires, brakes, and other mechanical components.
Gain access to the ‘black box’ data recorder of the bus to get information regarding the bus’s speed, steering, and braking before the accident
Obtain a court order to examine the bus driver’s log, his driving and employment record, communications with dispatch on the day of the accident, and all other crucial evidence

What Can I Claim Damages For in A Bus Accident Lawsuit?

Medical bills include ambulance transport, emergency room treatment, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, and in-home care if needed.
Lost income from missed work due to injury and future losses due to diminished earning capacity related to a disability.
Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement if you were hit by a bus.
Pain and suffering, including emotional pain.
Loss of consortium.
Loss of enjoyment of life.

Damages In A Wrongful Death Claim

Funeral costs
Burial expenses
Loss of income and future earnings
Loss of companionship, loss of support, and loss of affection

Other Motorists and Bus Passengers Hiring Indianapolis Bus Accident Lawyers To Recover Compensation

Were you injured in a bus accident, and are the liable parties held responsible and financially accountable? The Indianapolis bus accident lawyers at Injury Lawyer Team are ready to listen to how the bus/car accident happened to help you or your family members obtain the full compensation you deserve for your damages.

Our legal team accepts all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits through contingency fee agreements. This arrangement ensures you’ll pay no upfront fee for legal representation. Our account is only settled when our personal injury attorneys resolve your case to a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation and free case evaluation. All information shared with counsel remains confidential under the attorney-client relationship.