A bus accident can upend your life. If you’ve been injured in one, a Charleston personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
A bus crash can result in severe injuries, costly medical bills, and lost wages due to time away from work. During this stressful time, the prospect of navigating the claims process can be daunting.
The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, a Charleston bus accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Charleston Bus Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in a bus crash, a Charleston bus accident attorney can help by:
- Gathering evidence: An attorney can collect crucial evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and video footage to strengthen your case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: A lawyer can protect you from lowball settlement offers and advocate for fair compensation.
- Determining liability: An attorney can identify all responsible parties and work to hold them accountable.
- Maximizing your compensation: A lawyer can calculate the full value of your claim, ensuring that all damages—both economic and non-economic—are taken into account.
Above all, a bus accident lawyer in Charleston can provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing a professional is handling your case.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Charleston, call (843) 380-8350
How Much Does a Bus Accident Lawyer in Charleston Cost?
The bus accident lawyers at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that rather than charging you an upfront fee, your lawyer receives a percentage of your settlement or award. This means you don’t pay anything unless you win.
Your attorney’s contingency fee will be a predetermined percentage of your settlement or award, which you can discuss during your consultation.
Charleston Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (843) 380-8350
Is It Worth It to Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer?
Yes, hiring a bus accident lawyer is generally worth the investment due to the complexity of this kind of case. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Without legal experience on your side, you’ll risk accepting a settlement that does not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An attorney can provide peace of mind by handling all aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
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How Much Is My Bus Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a bus accident claim can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to millions of dollars for catastrophic injuries or loss of life. Factors that can affect the value of a claim include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
A bus accident attorney in Charleston can assess your case and provide a more precise estimate.
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Types of Compensation You Can Receive
If you’ve been in a bus crash, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, such as:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any necessary medications related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: You can be compensated for income you lose if your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma you experience due to the crash.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of personal property damaged in the collision.
- Punitive damages: You can pursue additional compensation in cases where gross negligence or intentional misconduct is involved.
A Charleston personal injury attorney can make sure your damages cover your losses.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Bus Accident Claim?
The timeline for settling this kind of claim can vary significantly from case to case. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while more complex ones involving disputes over liability or severe injuries can take years.
Your lawyer can work diligently to expedite the process.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Bus Accident Claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the incident. If you don’t file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
A personal injury attorney in Charleston can make sure you file on time.
How Is Liability Determined in Bus Accidents?
In this kind of case, liability is determined by analyzing evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and video footage. Your lawyer may also work with experts to reconstruct the crash.
Common factors that are considered include driver negligence, mechanical failures, and road conditions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
Several parties can be held liable for a bus collision, including:
- The bus driver: If they were negligent or violated traffic laws.
- The bus company: For inadequate maintenance or improper training of drivers.
- Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect contributed to the crash.
- Government entities: For poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage.
A personal injury lawyer in Charleston can work to hold every negligent party accountable.
What If I Am Partially At Fault for the Accident?
South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are partially at fault for a bus crash, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages amount to $100,000 but you are found to be 30% at fault for the collision, you’d be eligible to receive $70,000.
How to File a Bus Accident Claim in South Carolina
To file a claim in South Carolina, follow these steps:
- Report the accident: Call the police and file a report.
- Notify the appropriate entities: If a government or school bus is involved, notify the corresponding agency promptly.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene of the crash and collect witnesses’ contact information, medical records, and any other documentation that may support your claim.
- Seek medical attention: Visit a medical professional to get evaluated and document your injuries.
- Consult a lawyer: An attorney familiar with South Carolina laws can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
- Submit your claim: Your lawyer will file the claim with the appropriate insurance company or government entity, depending on the case.
Can You Sue a Bus Company After an Accident?
Yes, you can sue a bus company after a crash if its negligence contributed to the incident. Common reasons for suing a bus company include inadequate vehicle maintenance, failure to train drivers properly, or overworking drivers.
To build a successful case, you must demonstrate that the bus company breached its duty of care and that this breach directly caused your injuries. An experienced lawyer can help you gather evidence and file your lawsuit.
How Does the Legal Process Work After a Bus Accident?
The legal process after a bus crash typically involves:
- Initial consultation: This is the conversation in which you’ll share details about the crash and your injuries.
- Gathering evidence: Your lawyer will investigate the crash thoroughly, collecting reports, witness statements, and other documentation.
- Negotiations: Negotiations are conducted with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement without going to court.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer can initiate legal proceedings against the responsible parties.
- Litigation: At this stage, your lawyer will present your case before a judge or jury.
How Are Bus Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Bus crashes differ from car crashes in several significant ways:
- Severity of impact: Due to their size and weight, buses often cause more severe damage and injuries than ordinary cars.
- Number of victims: Bus crashes often involve numerous passengers, which can complicate injury claims and liability determinations.
- Complexity of liability: Buses may be owned by private companies, government entities, or school districts, each with different rules for filing claims.
- Regulatory considerations: Buses are subject to strict federal and state regulations that can influence the outcome of cases.
- Insurance policies: Bus companies often have high-value insurance policies, leading to aggressive defense strategies from insurers.
What Happens After a School Bus Accident?
School bus crashes involve unique considerations, such as determining whether the school district or a private company is responsible for the bus. Your lawyer can work to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
What Happens After a Tour Bus Accident?
Since tour buses often cross state lines, tour bus crashes often involve multiple jurisdictions. In these cases, liability may extend to tour operators, bus companies, or even event organizers.
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, no matter how complex.
What Happens After a Greyhound Bus Accident?
Greyhound bus cases often involve federal regulations and corporate policies. These cases require extensive investigation and may require you to deal with large insurance companies.
Your lawyer can provide guidance and advocate for you throughout the claims process.
What Challenges Can Arise in a Bus Accident Case?
Some of the most common challenges in bus accident cases include:
- Proving liability: Establishing fault can be difficult, especially in multi-vehicle collisions or cases involving unclear evidence.
- Insurance negotiations: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or dispute claims.
- Gathering evidence: Obtaining surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, or maintenance records isn’t always possible.
- Complex laws and regulations: Cases involving government-operated buses or interstate travel may require navigating unique legal frameworks.
An experienced attorney can make sure these challenges don’t affect the outcome of your case.
What If I’m a Passenger in a Bus Accident?
If you were a passenger in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A lawyer can help you file a claim against the party responsible for the crash.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Some of the most common causes of bus collisions include:
- Driver fatigue or inexperience
- Mechanical failures
- Poor road conditions
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Inclement weather
Common Types of Bus Accidents
Common types of bus crashes include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact crashes
- Rollovers
- Pedestrian or cyclist accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus collisions often result in severe injuries due to the size of the vehicles involved. Some of the most common injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
Speak with a Charleston Bus Accident Attorney Today
A bus crash can happen when you least expect it. But you don’t have to navigate the legal process and pursue damages for your losses on your own.
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. A skilled Charleston bus accident attorney from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today to start building your case.
Call or text (843) 380-8350 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
