There are multiple parties who can be held responsible for a bus accident in Roswell, GA. For instance, a crash may occur because a third-party motorist or bus driver acted carelessly. Also, an accident may result from negligence exhibited by a government entity or bus company. Lastly, a collision may happen because a vehicle was equipped with a defective part.
Thankfully, the legal team at our firm can assess your potential case and identify who to sue. Further, we will determine which forms of monetary damages may be available to you.
In the aftermath of your bus accident in Roswell, get help from our experienced bus accident lawyers at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357.
Types of Damages Available to Plaintiffs in Roswell Bus Accident Lawsuits
There are multiple types of losses that can be compensated through bus accident lawsuits. Our bus accident attorneys can help fight for any of the following:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are a common form of damages claimed in bus accident lawsuits. These expenses encompass immediate costs such as emergency services, hospital stays, and surgeries. However, they also account for long-term medical care costs linked to the accident, which may be necessary if the victim has sustained permanent or prolonged injuries. This could include medications, physical therapy, and other ongoing treatments or health services.
Lost Wages
Lost wages represent another significant area of concern for many victims. Being involved in a serious bus accident often means time taken off work for recovery. In severe cases, victims might be rendered unable to return to work or perform their duties at the same capacity as they could prior to the accident. In these instances, compensation for lost wages will factor in both the income lost during the recovery period and any future loss of earnings that can be attributed to the accident-related injuries.
Property Damage
Compensation for property damage is also recoverable in bus accident lawsuits. When personal belongings were damaged or destroyed in the accident, a plaintiff can seek compensation for the value of those items. The amount awarded in such cases is intended to cover cost of repairing or replacing the property at issue.
For example, a plaintiff’s car may be badly damaged because of a crash with a large bus. In that case, the plaintiffs may be able to seek payment for the cost of their vehicle’s repair or replacement.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses that were incurred as a result of the accident is another category of damages that victims can claim. This category can include a range of costs, from transportation expenses for medical appointments to hiring help for household tasks that the victim is unable to perform because of their injuries.
Damages for out-of-pocket expenses are usually established using financial records like receipts. Therefore, you should try to save the receipts for any costs you incur because of your bus accident injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages intend to compensate plaintiffs for the physical discomfort and emotional distress they endured because of their bus accident injuries. These damages account for the non-financial impacts of an accident, such as mental anguish and lost enjoyment of life.
Pursuing compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering can be a complicated process. Often, large amounts of evidence are necessary to support claims for such damages. Accordingly, support from our experienced legal team can be invaluable when building such a claim in your case.
Punitive Damages
Lastly, punitive damages can be awarded in certain cases where the defendant’s behavior was exceptionally reckless, negligent, or malicious. Unlike other types of damages, which aim to compensate the victim for their losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. The severity of the defendant’s actions will usually dictate the amount awarded in punitive damages.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Roswell, GA
There are many different forms of negligence that can lead to harmful bus crashes. For instance, the following are all common causes of bus accidents in Roswell, GA:
Drivers’ Negligence
Many bus accidents happen because of negligence exhibited by bus drivers and third-party motorists. There are many forms of drivers’ negligence that can compromise the safety of bus passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. For instance, many crashes happen because drivers are drunk or distracted. Further, some bus accidents occur because of speeding drivers and drivers who disobey traffic signals. In any case, victims may be able to sue the negligent motorists responsible for their collisions.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Mechanical failures also contribute significantly to bus accidents. These can include things like brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or problems with the engine or transmission. Often, these failures are a result of improper or inadequate maintenance of the vehicle. Bus companies are required to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe for operation. If they fail to do so, and a mechanical failure leads to an accident, the bus company may be held liable.
Negligent Hiring and Training Practices
Negligent hiring and training practices by bus companies can play a significant role in bus accidents. Bus drivers should be properly vetted for qualifications and experience and should receive thorough training in safe operating procedures. If a bus company hires a driver without conducting a proper background check, or fails to provide adequate training, the company could be held responsible if that driver causes an accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can also lead to bus accidents. Potholes, lack of proper signage, or poorly designed roadways can create hazardous conditions for bus drivers. While these factors may not directly involve the bus company or driver, a government entity may be held liable if it can be shown that they failed to maintain the roadways to a safe standard.
If You Suffered a Crash with a Bus in Roswell, GA, Call Our Bus Accident Attorneys for Support
Seek assistance from our experienced bus accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to review your potential claim for free.
