A Bus Accident Attorney Who Can Help You Collect Compensation

Types and Categories of Buses

A bus is legally defined as any vehicle capable of carrying more than 10 passengers. The owner or leasing company of the bus involved in your accident will have a substantial impact on the type and amount of compensation you can collect. Vehicles such as city buses, school buses, and public transportation for disabled riders are owned by the government and are subject to different regulations than privately owned buses. Private, or commercially owned, buses may be operated by a wide range of organizations, including:

• Casinos
• Churches
• Nursing homes
• Charter bus companies
• Airports
• Hotels
• Amusement parks

Commercial buses can also be long-haul buses, such as Greyhounds, and include any bus that is not affiliated with the city or state government. 

Government-owned buses are afforded a higher level of legal protection, meaning it can be much more difficult for victims to collect compensation.

Privately owned buses are operated for profit, while government-owned transportation is often subsidized and intended to provide a service for the community. As such, government-owned buses are afforded a higher level of legal protection. This means it can be much more difficult to collect compensation, even if the driver was directly at fault for your injuries. 

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Similar to truck accidents, one of the main causes of bus accidents is negligence on the part of the bus driver or the driver of another vehicle. Examples of driver negligence can include:

• Distracted driving
• Sleep deprivation
• Alcohol or drug use
• Excessive speeding 

However, the cause of the accident may be attributed to another source. Mechanical issues can stem from improper maintenance on behalf of the company who owns the bus. In addition, inadequate driver training or supervision can result in serious accidents. Discovering the exact cause of your accident can help determine who is responsible for your injuries. At Wenholz | Dow, P.C., Trial Lawyers, we work with experts in accident reconstruction who can collect the evidence necessary to build a strong case for your compensation. 

Seeking Compensation for Your Injury

Depending on the cause of your accident, you may be able to seek damages from the driver, bus operator, or another third party, such as the bus maintenance company. In this type of accident, victims often collect compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Loss of future wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (the love or support of a spouse)

In some cases, you can also seek punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for especially reckless or deliberately harmful behavior.