People use buses every day to travel to work and school. Unfortunately, buses are subject to the same hazards and dangers as other vehicles, and crashes can result in severe, life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident, you could hold the defendant responsible for your damages.
For help seeking fair compensation, contact a Fulton Market bus accident lawyer. An experienced injury attorney could improve your chances of holding the defendant responsible.
Bus accidents arise in various ways and can involve other vehicles or even pedestrians. Regardless of how the bus wreck occurred, a Fulton Market attorney could help an injured individual file their claim.
All drivers have a duty to act in a reasonable manner that avoids causing harm to another person. If they act negligently and it leads to a crash, they could be held liable. Once it is established the driver acted unreasonably, the plaintiff may recover damages if the defendant’s actions resulted in their injury.
For example, a driver may be held liable for violating traffic laws, improperly storing luggage, or allowing a dangerous condition to exist on the bus.
There are various ways a bus accident may occur and a variety of individuals that could be harmed in them. Common bus accidents include:
Fortunately, the cause of the accident does not affect the plaintiff’s ability to recover damages. To recover, the plaintiff only needs to establish the defendant’s negligence caused their injuries.
Once the plaintiff proves the negligence of the defendant, they may get the monetary recovery they deserve for their injuries. The defendant is responsible for both economic and non-economic losses.
Non-economic damages hold the defendant responsible for all losses arising from the physical injury. These damages include the plaintiff’s pain and suffering and lost quality of life. The severity of the injury generally dictates how much the plaintiff may recover.
Economic damages cover all financial losses suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the injuries. The plaintiff’s economic damages may include lost wages, medical expenses, and all other out-of-pocket expenses caused by the injury.
To recover damages for bus accidents, the victim of the crash must bring their lawsuit on time. Under 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/13-202, the plaintiff must generally bring their lawsuit within two years of the accident. If they do not, they may be barred from recovering damages for their injuries.
However, there are exceptions. When a minor is injured in a bus accident, the statute of limitations does not start until they turn 18. Therefore, the plaintiff has two years from the time they turn 18 to bring a lawsuit. Additionally, there may be stricter time constraints or special procedures if the bus was operated by a government entity.
A Fulton Market attorney could determine the applicable deadline and help ensure a bus accident lawsuit is brought on time.
A Fulton Market bus accident attorney could help you prepare a strong case in pursuit of the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Knowledgeable attorneys have experience handling these cases and could help you hold the defendant responsible. Call today to discuss your claim.