Were you injured in a collision involving a bus? Crashes like these can cause major injuries for everyone involved, including passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road. The aftermath of this type of incident can be incredibly stressful, but you’re not alone.
At Shane Smith Law, we can represent you as your Greenville bus accident lawyer. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have recovered over $100 million in compensation. Since 2009, we’ve helped more than 10,000 people, and we’re here for you, too.
When you hire us to help you as your Greenville personal injury lawyer, you can trust us to advocate for your rights and pursue what you need to receive the medical care you deserve. We know which types of evidence can maximize claims, and we’ll collect that on your behalf.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Injuries sustained in bus accidents range from minor to major. It all depends on the exact details of your case, like the amount of impact you sustained.
As the victim of this type of collision, you may have experienced the following physical and emotional injuries:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Permanent cognitive or neurological damage
- Spinal cord injuries that leave victims with paralysis
- Loss of mobility or chronic pain
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or bleeding
- Psychological trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety, depression, and a newfound fear of traveling
For a free legal consultation with a bus accident lawyer serving Greenville, call (980) 246-2656
Insurance Considerations
Insurance coverage plays a role in the process of determining compensation after a bus accident. Public transportation buses, school buses, and private charter buses typically carry substantial liability insurance to cover damages to passengers and third parties.
Commercial buses often maintain coverage ranging from $1 million to $5 million, depending on local regulations and company policies. Insurance companies investigate claims thoroughly before issuing settlements.
These are the factors that are taken into consideration:
- The extent of injuries
- Any property damage
- Liability for the crash
Medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages are all considered when calculating compensation.
When multiple parties are involved, such as other vehicles or municipal entities, it can be hard to coordinate insurance claims. However, our Greenville bus accident attorneys will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Greenville Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
Liability in Bus Accidents
When you hire a bus accident attorney in Greenville to represent you, your lawyer will tackle the responsibility of proving liability in your case.
Liability can fall on multiple parties, including the bus driver, the bus company, vehicle manufacturers, and government entities.
The Bus Driver
However, when it comes to drivers, negligence on their part may include the following errors:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to follow traffic laws
- Violating hours-of-service regulations
Bus drivers can also be held responsible if they improperly secured passengers or failed to perform safety checks.
The Bus Company
Bus company liability can arise if employees were inadequately trained, if the company performed poor hiring practices, or if it lacked proper maintenance policies. It can also be held responsible if the company failed to enforce relevant safety protocols.
Manufacturers
Meanwhile, manufacturer defects may be a factor if any of the following mechanical failures caused or contributed to the collision:
- Brake malfunction
- Steering issues
- Faulty tires
Product liability claims can necessitate technical investigations to determine the cause of the incident.
The Government
Even government entities can be deemed responsible for bus-related collisions. Government liability may come into play if roadway conditions, poorly designed intersections, or a lack of proper signage contributed to the crash.
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South Carolina Law and Comparative Negligence
According to SC Code § 15-38-15, South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if the injured party is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will then be reduced proportionally.
For example, if a passenger on a bus is determined to be 30% at fault for the incident, any settlement award that they receive would first be reduced by 30%. However, if the injured party is 50% or more at fault for the event, they could lose their right to recover damages altogether.
This system emphasizes the importance of carefully documenting all aspects of the accident, including the behavior of the bus driver, how other drivers responded, and what the environmental conditions were at the time.
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Call Our Greenville Bus Accident Lawyers ASAP For Professional Help With Your Legal Case
An injury on someone else’s property can leave you facing medical bills, time away from work, and a lot of frustration. But you don’t have to let a negligent property owner walk away without facing consequences for their actions—or lack thereof.
At Shane Smith Law, our Greenville premises liability attorneys know how to build a strong case and fight for your much-deserved compensation. The sooner you call, the sooner we can work on holding careless property owners accountable. In Pain? Call Shane!
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
