Bus accidents are not unheard of around Tuscaloosa. Not only do you have to watch out for Tuscaloosa Transit buses, but you must also contend with private bus lines and buses through the University of Alabama’s Crimson Ride services.
Bus accidents might happen anywhere, but they can be very dangerous around the University and the surrounding area. Students often rely on bus transit, and driver negligence poses a huge threat to safety. People are often unsure about taking legal action after an accident, but you should speak to an attorney even if you do not know what you want to do. A lawyer can advise you on your damages and what kind of compensation you can claim. Damages and compensation in bus accident cases can be quite high as injuries tend to be more serious. Evidence from the accident scene might include photos, videos, and witnesses. We can also use medical records to prove the extent of your bodily injuries and medical bills.
Schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with our bus accident lawyers at Howe Law by calling us today at (844) 876-4357.
How and Where Bus Accidents Can Happen Around Tuscaloosa
Buses are an integral part of the transportation systems in and around Tuscaloosa. Not only are there buses available for students at the University of Alabama through the Crimson Ride services, but there are also local buses through Tuscaloosa Transit. With so many different buses and bus routes in the city, the risk of accidents is not to be taken lightly.
Negligent bus drivers are among the most frequently cited reasons for accidents. Buses are large and heavy, and when they are speeding down the highway, they cannot just stop on a dime. Drivers who speed, fail to signal, or commit other traffic violations might be liable for subsequent accidents.
Sometimes, multiple parties contribute to the accident. The bus driver might have been dangerously speeding, but another driver might have recklessly swerved into the path of the bus without signaling, causing the bus driver to slam the brakes and swerve into other vehicles. In that case, both the bus driver and the other driver might be liable.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Bus Accident Case in Tuscaloosa?
Accident victims sometimes hesitate to speak to an attorney because they feel overwhelmed by the prospect of a lawsuit and would rather put the whole ordeal behind them. While you are not required to hire a lawyer to represent you, it is better to do so than attempt to handle your claims alone.
Lawsuits are infamous for being complex and time-consuming. Trying to get a bus accident claim through the courts is a full-time job, and you might not have time to do so while also managing the rest of your life and responsibilities. A lawyer with the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to effectively present and argue your claims in court can help you get compensation while you rest, recover, and return to your normal life.
Our bus accident attorneys can help you prepare your case by assessing your injuries and damages so that you get the most compensation possible. While many injured plaintiffs have some idea of how much their damages are worth, they might overlook certain losses. Your attorney can help you identify all your losses and injuries, evaluate them, and determine a precise dollar amount you can claim as financial compensation.
How Much Your Damages Might be Worth in a Tuscaloosa Bus Accident Lawsuit
Damages are the center of your lawsuit and are the basis for your financial compensation. Bus accidents tend to be severe, and many injured plaintiffs have significant damages and claim equally significant compensation. Your damages should account for the money you lost from the bus accident and the painful experiences you endured.
Medical bills and property damage are among the biggest contributing factors to a plaintiff’s economic damages. Bus accidents often leave plaintiffs with serious injuries that require extensive, costly medical treatment. For those who need long-term treatment, the cost can be very burdensome. Your attorney can help you take into account all the treatments you received and tally up all your medical bills.
Property damage may be very high, depending on your situation. If you were driving your own vehicle when a bus hit you, your vehicle might be badly damaged or beyond repair. Replacing a vehicle costs a lot of money, and those costs should be factored into your compensation.
Your pain and suffering might be hard to translate into dollars and cents, but these experiences deserve financial compensation. Physical pain, emotional trauma, humiliation, fear, and other experiences often associated with bus accidents can be a lot to endure. Your attorney can help you claim these damages and explain to the jury why they deserve compensation.
Gathering Evidence for Your Bus Accident Claim in Tuscaloosa
Finding evidence is crucial to your case. Without evidence, your bus accident claims are no more than baseless accusations that the court will not entertain. A lot of evidence might come right from the bus accident scene, but other evidence might come from more surprising places.
Bus accident scenes can be chaotic, and you might be unable to collect any evidence before you are whisked away to the hospital and the scene is cleaned up by law enforcement. A good way to preserve the accident scene for evidentiary purposes is to take photos and record videos. Your photos and videos might depict crucial details about the accident that shed light on how it happened and who is responsible.
We can also find witnesses to testify about how the defendant caused the accident. Many witnesses are likely people who were present when the accident occurred. For example, other drivers on the road, people passing by, or pedestrians who witnessed the accident can testify to what they saw. Other witnesses might not have seen the accident unfold before them, but they might have other first-hand knowledge relevant to the case.
Call Our Tuscaloosa Bus Accident Lawyers to Discuss Your Situation
Arrange a free, private case assessment with our bus accident attorneys at Howe Law by calling our offices today at (844) 876-4357.
