Due to the sheer size and velocity of a moving truck or bus, accidents involving these types of vehicles can result in serious and life threatening injuries. A countless amount of people fall victim to these accidents and are forced to deal with repercussions that carry far beyond the sight of the crash. Not only can bus and truck accidents result in detrimental physical injuries such as broken bones, but they can also cause irreversible emotional trauma, namely post-traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, financial losses such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages create a whole new realm of stress in the aftermath of the crash.
Identifying Common Causes: Understanding Accident Factors
As previously mentioned, buses and trucks are some of the largest vehicles on the road, which means they have a few disadvantages making them more susceptible to crashes. Both bus accidents and truck accidents generally tend to have the same causes. These include negligence, driver fatigue, speeding, intoxicated driving, distracted driving, etc. Negligence prevails as the number one cause of bus/ truck accidents, whether it is a driver’s error or the fault of a third party. Bad weather, blind spots, and left turns are also recurrent causes of accidents. These large vehicles are much more difficult to operate in turbulent weather conditions and require a lot more attention and skill in day-to-day driving procedures.
The Legal Process: Steps After a Truck or Bus Accident
After a truck or bus accident, the legal process begins with an investigation to gather all necessary evidence from the scene of the crash, this includes witness statements, photographs, police reports, etc. After the accident is reported to all the appropriate parties, that is when lawyers step in and file a claim on behalf of the injured party. This claim is to outline the severity of the injuries, explain the suffered damages, and ultimately demand compensation based on the two previously mentioned factors. During the litigation process, all involved lawyers try to agree on a fair settlement amount through a process of negotiations. If they fail to reach an agreement, the case will be taken to trial where the lawyers argue the case in the best interest of their client. Most buses are entitled to notice of your intention to file a claim within ninety (90) days of the accident. It is important to involve an attorney early so that they can protect your rights by serving appropriate notice.
Complexities of Truck/Bus Accidents: Multifaceted Nature
One aspect of truck/bus accidents that makes them significantly more complex than a generic car accident is the abundance of extra parties involved. The driver of the truck or bus, the company that the vehicle belongs to, the manufacturers, the insurance companies, and all other outside parties. Each party will have their own legal representation in an effort to minimize their liability, which complicates the litigation process. Commercial vehicles are much heavier and larger in size, so they can often cause much more serious injuries and more severe property damage when in collision with a smaller vehicle. Corporate vehicles are registered under the company’s insurance, which will often be the highest coverage amount. In other words, this opens the door to a higher settlement amount!
Harrell Injury Law: Your Advocates in Bus and Truck Accident Claims
Seeking legal representation directly after a bus or truck accident can be pivotal to the outcome of your case. Having a lawyer who specializes in bus or truck accidents by your side from start to finish ensures that every interaction you have with insurance companies and opposing lawyers is done in your best interest with confidence. Having representation also guarantees the preservation of all crucial evidence. If you wait too long, you always run the risk of physical evidence becoming lost or destroyed, or witnesses forgetting vital details of the accident. The smaller the time gap between your accident and the retention of legal counsel, the better the results of your case are bound to be. The Harrell Law Firm has years of experience litigating major bus and truck accidents and can be trusted to protect your rights and get you the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. Call now for a free consultation and let us help you on your road to recovery!
Leigh A. Raffauf
Partner, Harrell Injury Law
