If you are a victim of a collision involving a bus, you need the help of an experienced Germantown personal injury lawyer. The attorneys at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC are ready to hear your story and guide you through the process of claiming restitution for your injuries and damages.
Bus Accidents Are More Dangerous for Passengers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that between 2009 and 2019, most accidents involving buses were primarily split between school buses and transit buses. Specific numbers are:
- Intercity buses – 12% of accidents
- School buses – 39% of accidents
- Regional transit buses – 34% of accidents
Buses of all kinds navigate the streets differently from cars. Buses stop frequently and pull quickly into traffic/ This could be unexpected to drivers who are not used to driving in a city or who are focused on where they are going. School or charter buses may stop for long periods in front of locations for tours, presenting obstacles car drivers might fail to see. Our bus accident lawyers in Germantown often consult with clients who have been involved in bus accidents caused by:
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Sideswipe crashes
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone crashes (especially in intersections)
- Rear-end collisions
Although buses are much larger and heavier than passenger cars or some trucks, you may still experience serious injuries if a car collides directly into the section of the bus where you are sitting. Many city buses have large windows situated low on the vehicle, putting you at higher risk of impact injuries.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
The moments following a bus accident are disorienting and often painful. You may simply be dazed, or you could be seriously injured. Once you receive the immediate medical care you need from first responders, you should begin the process of recovering physically and financially.
As soon as you are able to, you should contact our office to discuss your next steps for filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover the maximum compensation you and your family need. You can help prepare for this by:
- Collecting all medical bills and records in a single folder
- Keeping all doctor appointments
- Following all medical directions
- Starting a pain journal to track your recovery
- Speaking to insurance adjusters only when your lawyer is with you
- Avoiding discussion of your accident with others
- Refraining from posting on social media about your accident
- Copying all relevant information and sharing it with your Germantown bus accident attorney
Your professional legal team will provide numerous services to aid you in building your case, such as gathering police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera video, and other documentation that will show who is at fault. We will negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys on your behalf so you can rest and recover.
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Seeking Compensation in a Bus Accident Claim
When you are injured in a bus accident, you will likely face overwhelming bills and expenses. On top of this, you could be out of work while you heal from your injuries. This can make you worried about taking care of yourself and your family. When someone else is to blame, you must seek compensation for the injuries and damages they caused.
Because every bus accident situation will be different, you will have different damages from other individuals, even if they were involved in the same crash. It is essential to discuss your circumstances in detail with your attorney so they can calculate an accurate amount to seek. You will usually ask for two types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
Some examples of economic and non-economic losses are:
- Economic Losses:
- Loss of income
- Past, present, and future medical expenses related to the accident
- Emergency transportation costs, such as for an ambulance
- ICU or ER expenses
- Surgery costs
- Travel for medical treatment
- Insurance co-pays and deductibles for doctor visits
- Medications
- Medical or prosthetic devices
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage (for example, your vehicle if the bus hit you)
- Personal property damage (for example, electronics or bicycles you had inside the bus)
- Non-Economic Losses:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Scarring or disfigurement
- PTSD
You should keep a complete record of all your expenses and a pain journal of your recovery so you can receive an adequate amount of damages to cover your and your family’s needs. The state of Tennessee allows the pursuit of all your economic damages but limits non-economic losses to $750,000. In the event of catastrophic injury or death, however, the limit is $1 million.
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Do Not Wait to File Your Bus Accident Claim
It is vital that you do not delay in taking action to seek restitution for your injuries. You and your lawyer may negotiate with insurance companies for a settlement, but filing a personal injury claim in Tennessee is limited to within one year of the date of the accident. If insurance negotiations drag out or you wait too long to file, you could lose your rights to sue those responsible for your harm.
In the extreme case where you pass away from your injuries, your family can then file a wrongful death suit against those who are liable. Our attorneys can guide your loved ones in pursuing the financial security they will need in the wake of your passing.
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Hire an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney in Germantown Today
No matter how you were affected by a bus crash, your injuries and losses can last a long time. You could need lifetime medical treatment or suffer a permanent disability that reduces your enjoyment of your life. The dedicated experts at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC will connect you with a Germantown bus accident lawyer who can advise you after your crash. Our team is waiting to hear your story and build a strong case for you.
Call us or use our convenient online form to schedule your free consultation today.