Bus Accident

Why Do You Need an Attorney After a Bus Accident?

As our cities in Northeastern Ohio have grown and spread out and as the economy falters, bus travel has become a major source of transportation. This is especially true for students, many of whom are using school bus transportation to get back and forth to elementary and high school, and those using public transportation. With the increase in bus traffic has come an increase in bus accidents. Whether you are injured in Cleveland, Lakewood, the western suburbs or any city in Ohio, we can help! These accidents stem from a variety of causes and the attorneys here at Brown & Szaller are experienced in ferreting out just what is behind a bus accident. Bus accidents are typically caused by one or more of the following:

  • Bus driver fatigue
  • Inadequate training of drivers
  • Lack of driving experience by drivers
  • Driver negligence -- either the bus driver or the driver of another vehicle
  • Weather conditions -- rain or snow
  • Poorly maintained or dangerous roads
  • Poor bus maintenance
  • Defective equipment on the bus, particularly safety equipment and location and positioning of side mirrors
  • Overloaded buses

All manner of injuries occur as a result of bus accidents, all the way from whiplash to death. A critical aspect of any situation where an injury has occurred is the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the injury and the preservation of evidence. The investigation typically involves an examination of the scene of the injury while the evidence, such as the location or condition of the accident site and any equipment involved, is still fresh. It is sometimes necessary to notify the bus company of its obligation to preserve evidence or even obtain a court order to ensure that relevant evidence is preserved.

Sometimes, governmental investigators are involved as well. Where that is the case, it is important to contact and establish a relationship with those investigators as soon as practical.

Finally, identifying witnesses, securing their cooperation, and obtaining their statements as to what they saw or heard, as well as background information about the bus company, the driver, and any other drivers involved in the accident, should also be done as soon as possible.

Because of the importance of a quick assessment of the surrounding facts, an investigation of the circumstances of the injury, and preservation of relevant evidence, you should consider retaining a qualified attorney experienced in working with personal injuries of all sorts and knowledgeable about investigations of concert injury situations. Through its experience in working with experts in numerous medical specialties as well as accident reconstruction, defective equipment, and a host of other areas, Brown & Szaller can bring tremendous expertise to bear and obtain for you the recompense that you deserve for the injuries you or a loved one sustained. Back to top.

What if I am Injured in an Bus Accident?

The first thing you need to do, assuming you are not rushed off to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, is to take stock of the situation. In other words, you need to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, take photographs with your cell phone camera, and write down all important information. Back to top.

YOU CAN FIND A CHECKLIST OF INFORMATION YOU NEED TO GATHER HERE.

Should I Contact a Lawyer if a Loved One is Injured in a Bus Accident?

It is important to seek legal assistance from a lawyer with experience in the type of injury your loved one has sustained as soon as possible after the accident. Your lawyer will need time to obtain witness statements and gather a variety of information that is necessary to prosecute your case. The earlier you contact a lawyer, the greater your chance of obtaining a strong recovery either through settlement or if you have to file a lawsuit for compensation. With adequate time, an experienced lawyer can strengthen the case, emphasizing favorable facts while fortifying weaknesses in the case.

An experienced lawyer will know the general contours of information required to strengthen your claim for compensation. Thus, you increase the likelihood that you will prevail in your case and you increase the amount of compensation you are likely to recover by retaining a lawyer with experience in auto accident cases. An experienced lawyer, such as those at the Brown & Szaller law firm, will meet with you, listen to what you have to say, explain your legal options, gather the critical facts, obtain and review medical reports and witness statements, and help you decide upon the best course of action. Brown and Szaller lawyers will guide you through a complicated process involving insurance issues, pay back (subrogation), the amount of coverage and whether your own coverage applies. Do not trust the at fault parties insurance carrier. Brown and Szaller has handled numerous car accident cases to successful conclusion.

The lawyers at Brown & Szaller will meet with you for a free initial consultation. Even if you are unsure whether you have a claim for compensation we will discuss the facts of the case and your options and together determine the viability of your case with no up-front charge. Back to top.

CONTACT BROWN & SZALLER


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