Bus Accident Attorney Cleveland

Buses are an integral part of life in and around Cleveland. Whether we are talking about RTA buses or long-distance transportation buses, thousands of people use buses every day. While most buses are completely safe, there are times when accidents happen that can affect passengers and other people around the bus.

At Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers, our qualified and experienced team is ready to help if you think the negligence of a bus company or bus driver caused you or a loved one harm. We want to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. When you need a Cleveland bus accident attorney, call us today.

Plenty Of Buses

Even though you may not think about them much, there are an enormous amount of buses on our roadways. Consider the number of school buses that we rely on to get our kids to and from school each day. Between 2011 and 2020, there were 1,009 fatal school bus crashes. That’s not to mention the number of accidents from public transportation buses that transport thousands of people around the city daily.

However, buses are very large vehicles that weigh tens of thousands of pounds. When they get into a crash, they can cause major injuries for passengers and those in other vehicles involved. If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. The first step is to file a bus crash claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Crash Claim?

If you have been involved in a bus crash, you may be wondering how long you have to file a bus crash claim. If you’re in this situation, it is important to speak with a Cleveland bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and may be able to help you file a claim against the bus company.

Generally speaking, if you don’t contact an insurance company or lawyer within two years of the bus crash, your case will be disqualified. This two-year period begins on the day of the crash so time is of the essence. Those involved in a bus accident should also be aware that there could be other timelines that apply depending on the circumstances surrounding their specific incident. 

For example, if death resulted from the accident there could be different deadlines for filing a wrongful death claim and legal matters can become more complicated if municipalities are involved. Consulting with experienced legal professionals familiar with Ohio’s statutes can help ensure that your rights are protected and any claims go forward without interruption.

Establishing Negligence

In order to build a solid case for your bus accident claim, you need to ensure you can establish negligence on behalf of the other party. When it comes to establishing negligence, there are four key factors that must be proven in order to hold someone liable. 

These factors are duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In order to prove that someone owed you a duty of care, you must show that there was a relationship between the parties that created a duty. For example, a driver has a duty to drive safely when they are on the road, and a doctor has a duty to provide competent care to their patients. 

To prove that there was a breach of duty, you must show that the defendant failed to meet the standard of care that was owed to you. For example, if a driver was speeding and caused an accident, they would be in breach of their duty to drive safely. To prove causation, you must show that the defendant’s actions caused your injuries. This can be difficult to do, especially if you are dealing with a complex injury. 

Finally, to prove damages, you must show that you suffered losses as a result of the defendant’s actions. 

Negligence and Liability Laws in Cleveland

Liability laws in Cleveland determine when a person or company is responsible for damages caused by their negligence. These laws can be complicated, and it is important to have an experienced attorney help you understand your rights and options. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes and Effects of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and they can lead to a wide range of effects. Some common causes of bus accidents include:

  • Driver error
  • Vehicle malfunctions
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Improper loading of cargo or passengers
  • Speeding
  • Driver intoxication
  • Maintenance issues

Drivers might possibly experience a fatigue-induced accident due to long work hours and lack of rest and become impaired if they operate the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Poor weather conditions may also increase the risk for an accident if visibility is low or roads are slippery or icy. Additionally, an imbalance in cargo weight can significantly increase the chances for an accident by forcing drivers to overcorrect or put excessive strain on steering and braking mechanics.

Common Injuries in Local Bus Crashes

Injuries sustained in bus crashes vary depending on the type of crash, but common injuries include head and neck injuries, bone fractures, and internal injuries. Bus crashes can also cause injuries to the extremities, such as arms and legs. Common injuries we see in bus crashes include:

Anyone dealing with these injuries should not have to worry about how they will afford their medical bills, especially if the crash was due to vehicle failure or driver error.

Injuries to Bus Passengers

The safety and security of public transit passengers is a priority for any municipality. From physical pain and suffering to psychological trauma, the effects of bus accidents can impact not only the victims but also their families and communities. 

If you were a bus passenger and were injured as the result of an accident, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. You may be able to make a claim against the bus company, or the driver of the bus, depending on the circumstances.

Injuries to Non-Passengers

Injuries to non-passengers are a serious problem as well. Last year, there were more than 1.5 million injuries to people who were not in a car. That is more than four injuries every minute. These injuries can cause serious problems, including death.

We Help Cleveland Bus Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a bus accident, the team at Paulozzi LPA is here to help. We have years of experience helping Cleveland bus accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We will work side by side with you every step of the way to get the best possible outcome for your bus accident case.

Damages and Compensation for Bus Collisions

If you are involved in a bus accident, you may be able to recover damages for any injuries you incur. These damages may include compensation for a variety of losses including:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological trauma
  • Physical suffering

Additionally, there may also be grounds to pursue punitive damages to deter similar bad behavior in the future. An experienced attorney is the best advocate for obtaining suitable damages and financial compensation from responsible parties, such as the bus company or the driver.

Who Could be Liable in a Bus Accident Case?

When a bus accident occurs, there are a number of potential defendants that could be held liable. The bus driver, the bus company, and the manufacturer of the bus could all be held responsible for the injuries that occur. 

Bus drivers should always be properly licensed to operate each vehicle they are asked to drive. They must follow all traffic laws and never drive recklessly or over the speed limit. Under no circumstances should a bus driver be distracted by their electronic devices or impaired by drugs or alcohol. Drivers who operate over long distances should follow all laws regulating how many hours they can drive at a time to prevent fatigue.

Bus companies should ensure that each vehicle is regularly inspected and maintained in order to prevent vehicle failure. If any part of a bus fails while moving at a high rate of speed, the driver could lose control of the vehicle. If the accident was caused by a defect in the bus, the manufacturer could be held liable for the injuries that resulted.

In The Aftermath Of A Crash

We know that the aftermath of a bus crash can be a confusing time, especially if you are dealing with injuries. At Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers, we are ready to step in when you need a Cleveland bus accident attorney. The medical bills will begin to pile up and you need compensation. This can include coverage for:

  • Your medical expenses related to the incident
  • Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Punitive damages against those responsible

Contact a Cleveland Bus Accident Attorney Today

When you need a Cleveland bus accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.

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