Buses are a cost-effective and stress-free way of commuting to work, running errands, or taking a trip with friends. But everyone – both inside and outside of the vehicle – should take precautions in the event of a crash. Bus accidents can have catastrophic effects because of the vehicle’s size and lack of protective equipment for passengers.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can lessen the confusion following a harrowing incident such as a bus accident. You can expect David E. Gordon, a Cordova bus accident lawyer, to work with you through every phase of the case, which can ease the stress as you recover physically and emotionally.
Why Do Bus Collisions Occur?
A bus crash with one or more other vehicles or inanimate objects can injure everyone on board, as well as other motorists and pedestrians. Accidents happen because the bus operator might be tired, distracted, or intoxicated at the time of the collision, or was not trained properly and made a costly error. Mechanical failures from improper maintenance or manufacturing mistakes also cause bus accidents. A car driver could cut off a bus and cause the operator to swerve into parked vehicles, or a pedestrian could walk out in front, causing property damage as the driver veers out of the way.
David can work closely with his clients to determine who is liable for bus crashes. Sometimes the driver is solely liable due to personal choices. Other times, the bus company assumes liability for poor training procedures or insufficient maintenance. Commercial vehicle manufacturers and distributors might be to blame if they sold or distributed faulty buses. If the bus in question is a public vehicle, the local government might be liable because of maintenance or training errors. A Cordova public transit accident lawyer can help identify the liable party.
What Are Common Injuries in Bus Crashes?
Passengers and other individuals involved in bus collisions can sustain a variety of injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, bruises, cuts and lacerations, burns, spinal cord damage, muscle and ligament tears, whiplash, internal bleeding, organ damage, and loss of limbs.
Among the most common bus collision damages requested by attorneys are those that cover burdens such as:
- Medical costs
- Vehicle damage, if applicable
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages
- Ongoing medical services, such as prescription medication and physical therapy
According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-39-102, the state does not allow vehicle accident plaintiffs to collect non-economic compensation on damaged property. Non-economic damages refer to those concerning emotional and mental anguish, not financial losses such as medical expenses. A local bus crash attorney can help identify which types of losses a client might be able to recover for.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Despite non-economic damage prohibitions on property, Tennessee is a modified comparative negligence state and therefore allows plaintiffs to collect damages as long as they are less than 50 percent at fault. While most bus crash claimants are passengers who usually have no role in causing the accidents, other injured individuals might have contributed, such as pedestrians. If a pedestrian or a car driver contributed to the accident and sustained injuries, they may still entitled to compensation.
Contact a Cordova Bus Accident Attorney for Legal Advice
Dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of a bus collision is challenging. A Cordova bus accident lawyer is here to make the process easier for you. The Law Office of David E. Gordon has the resources you need to mount a strong case for compensation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make a viable claim.
