Bus Accident Attorney in Dothan
Did you or someone close to you get hurt in a school bus accident, private bus crash, or Wiregrass Transit accident in Dothan, AL? You might feel uncertain about your next steps, but you don’t have to handle this alone. Holding those responsible for the accident accountable can allow you to recover the compensation you need to move forward.
At Parker Trial Law, we’ve been standing up for injury victims since 2016, taking on powerful bus companies and insurers in court. We aren’t afraid to take your case to trial to get the outcome you deserve. Don’t wait — contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Benefits of Hiring a Dothan, AL, Bus Accident Attorney
Hiring a bus accident lawyer in Dothan, AL, can make a significant difference in your case. A lawyer can explain the legal process and help you explore your options. They can gather the necessary evidence, such as medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements, to support your claim. This allows your attorney to build a strong case and increases your chances of getting fair compensation.
An attorney can also handle negotiations with insurance companies, which often try to pay as little as possible. If necessary, they will take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. If your bus accident claim involves a government entity, an attorney can identify and meet all legal deadlines and filing requirements.
In short, having a Dothan, AL, bus accident attorney on your side means you can focus on recovering while they handle the legal details.
Why Are Bus Accident Injury Claims So Complex?
Bus injury claims can be more complicated than other personal injury cases for several reasons. First, multiple parties often share responsibility for bus accidents. These parties can include the bus driver, the bus company, other drivers, or even the manufacturer of the bus or its parts. Determining who is at fault often requires detailed investigations and expert analysis, which can slow down the case.
Next, government entities own and operate many buses. Claims against government bodies usually have special rules and procedures that can make the process more difficult. For example, if you get injured on a city bus, your claim against the city will be subject to strict requirements and filing deadlines that don’t apply in other personal injury cases.
Finally, bus companies and their insurers often have large insurance policies and fight aggressively to reduce payouts. Dealing with these companies can take longer and require more evidence to prove your case. All of these factors can make bus accident injury claims more challenging than typical personal injury cases, so working with an experienced bus accident attorney is essential.
What Compensation Can I Expect to Recover in a Bus Accident Claim?
You could be entitled to compensation for various types of losses in an Alabama bus accident compensation claim. These losses can include medical bills for your treatment, lost wages if the accident caused you to miss work, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries. You can also seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you experience due to the wreck. If your injuries are severe or long-lasting, the claim can also cover future medical needs and loss of income.
Notably, if your claim is against a government entity, Ala. Code § 11-93-2 places limits on the amount of compensation you can recover. You can get up to $100,000 for one person’s injuries or death in a single accident. In claims involving more than one person, the total limit for all claims is $300,000. Additionally, the maximum compensation for property damage is $100,000 per accident.
What If I Am Partly at Fault in a Bus Accident?
If you are partly to blame for a bus accident in Alabama, you might be unable to recover compensation. Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule prohibiting you from claiming compensation from other parties if you are even 1 percent at fault for an injury accident. This can make it challenging to win a claim if there is any suggestion that your actions contributed to the crash. Insurance companies might try to use this rule to avoid paying you.
As a result, it’s essential to work with a Dothan, AL, bus accident lawyer who can prove that the bus driver or another party is fully responsible for the accident.
Who Could Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident?
Several different parties could share responsibility in a bus accident case, and determining who is at fault is a key part of building a solid legal claim. The following are examples of potentially liable parties:
If bus driver negligence or traffic violations contributed to the crash, the driver might be at fault. This could include speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow safety rules.
Bus companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining their vehicles. If a company failed in any of these duties, it could be liable for the accident.
Another driver on the road could be at fault if they caused the accident by violating traffic laws or driving recklessly.
If a defect in the bus or one of its components contributed to the crash, the company that made or sold the bus or its parts could be accountable.
A government entity could be at fault if the accident occurred due to poor road conditions, inadequate bus maintenance, or unsafe operating policies.
If a third-party maintenance company’s negligent maintenance contributed to the accident, the maintenance provider could be responsible.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Alabama?
Under Ala. Code § 6-2-38, you generally have two years from the date of a bus accident to file a bus accident lawsuit. You will likely lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this filing deadline. However, different rules apply if your claim is against a government entity. If an Alabama city or town is responsible for the bus involved in the accident, you have even less time to act.
For claims against cities and towns, Ala. Code § 11-47-23 gives you six months from the accident date to file a written notice of your claim. If your claim is against a county, Ala. Code § 11-12-8 gives you 12 months to submit the notice. Failing to submit your notice on time could prevent you from filing a lawsuit later, even if you do so within the standard two-year deadline.
Because of these strict requirements, it’s best to contact a lawyer right away after an Alabama bus accident. Your attorney can identify all applicable filing deadlines and file a timely claim on your behalf.
What Are Common Types of Bus Accidents?
Different factors, such as road conditions, driver behavior, and the mechanical condition of the bus, can contribute to different kinds of bus crashes. Common examples include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact (T-bone) accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Intersection accidents
- Lane change accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Highway accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- School bus accidents
- Public transit bus accidents
- Charter bus accidents
- Tour bus accidents
- Shuttle bus accidents
What Injuries Can Someone Sustain in a Bus Accident?
The massive force of impact in a bus crash can result in severe harm to both bus riders and occupants of other vehicles. Common bus accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Dislocations
- Eye injuries
- Facial fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Emotional trauma
What to Do After a Bus Accident
Acting quickly and carefully can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation for your injuries after a Dothan, Alabama, bus accident. Here’s what you should do:
Even if you don’t feel hurt, visit a doctor promptly. Some injuries might not show symptoms immediately, and getting medical care creates a record of your injuries.
Collect the bus driver’s information, the bus company’s name, and witness contact details. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
Contact your insurance provider to report the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid giving any opinions about fault or your injuries until you speak with a lawyer.
Save copies of your medical bills, income losses, and any other expenses related to the accident. This information will be essential when you file a claim.
A lawyer can explain your legal options, handle the process of filing a claim, and negotiate with insurance companies to demand the financial recovery you deserve.
Contact a Dothan, AL, Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a Dothan bus accident, now is the time to take action. You deserve a lawyer who will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you need to recover.
Contact our bus accident law firm now for a free consultation so we can answer your questions and start working on your case.