What Are Some Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Houston?
Bus accidents involve collisions between buses and other vehicles, stationary objects, or pedestrians. Accidents can also occur due to rollovers, mechanical failure, and fires. Houston personal injury lawyers say that bus accidents are common in the jurisdiction, often due to the following reasons:
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Drowsy driving;
- Driving while impaired from the use of alcohol and drugs;
- Improper lane changes;
- Tailgating;
- Aggressive driving;
- Making wide turns; and
- Poor road or weather conditions.
Anyone injured in an accident has a legal right to obtain compensation from the liable party. If you or your loved one were involved in a bus accident, consult legal experts for guidance on the steps you can take to pursue compensation.
What Should I Do to Obtain Compensation for My Injuries After a Bus Accident?
Houston bus accident attorneys explain that what you do immediately after a bus accident can impact the outcome of your compensation claim. They recommend doing the following to secure your chances of receiving the maximum settlement:
- Get medical help for your injuries: Your medical records are proof that you were injured in the accident and, hence, should receive compensation. Ensure you keep up with your doctor’s appointments and journal your recovery progress.
- Collect evidence: Depending on the severity of your injuries, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and property damage. You could ask someone to obtain this documentation if you’re not in a position to do so.
- Contact a lawyer: Pursuing compensation after an accident is often complicated. There are many legal nuances to navigate, which are best handled with the help of skilled bus accident lawyers in Houston.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Seek Fair Compensation?
While dealing with the pain of the aftermath of a bus accident, it helps to have legal support from a team that understands how to navigate the system. Working with personal injury attorneys enhances your chances of recovering the maximum settlement amount. They can fight on your behalf and do the following to ensure you don’t overlook any crucial step:
Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
Personal injury lawyers are skilled in collecting evidence to support compensation claims after an accident. They will assess the circumstances of your case and determine the most relevant evidence to collect, which may include:
- Medical records
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Police reports
- Eye witness statements
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
Determine Causation and Liability
A compensation claim can’t be complete without determining liability for the accident. Several parties could be liable for the bus collision based on the circumstances of the crash and liability laws. Potentially liable parties include the following:
- The bus driver for being negligent or reckless;
- The bus company for not doing due diligence when hiring the driver or for failing to maintain the bus adequately;
- The bus or parts manufacturer if the accident was due to mechanical failure;
- Other drivers for tailgating or aggressive driving; and
- The government or municipality for not maintaining the roads properly if the accident was due to poor road conditions or blind spots (but this is very rare).
Calculate How Much Your Case is Worth
Before presenting your compensation claim to the liable party or their insurance company, you must determine how much you seek in damages. Lawyers can arrive at a fair compensation amount based on the following:
- Cost of medical treatment
- Lost income and reduced future earning capacity due to the injuries
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
Arriving at a fair compensation amount can be challenging, but Houston bus accident lawyers know the formulas and approaches to determine your claim’s value.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies entails a lot of legal paperwork and procedures that you may need help handling. Besides, insurance adjusters will do everything they can to frustrate you and avoid paying you what your case is worth. Lawyers understand the process and won’t relent until you get what you rightfully deserve.
With lawyers by your side, you will be legally guided to avoid the pitfall of accepting the first settlement offer by the insurance company. The amount offered at the first instance could be a tiny fraction of what your case is worth. It also removes the right to pursue further compensation if you later discover you were shortchanged.
File a Lawsuit
If negotiations with the insurance company are not fruitful, your Houston bus accident lawyers can help you file a lawsuit in court. They can bring the lawsuit to court within the legal provisions and the stipulated deadlines. They can ensure the necessary parties are served and that you attach the supporting documents and pay the required fees.
Going to court can enhance the chances of recovering the maximum amount your case is worth, as a compensation order by the court is final. With skilled legal representatives by your side, the defendant or their representative is less likely to take advantage of you.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Guiding You When Seeking Compensation After a Bus Accident
Bus accidents can have devastating consequences, often leaving victims with life-changing injuries. Luckily, the legal landscape makes pursuing compensation from the negligent party possible. Experienced bus accident lawyers in Boston can guide you to ensure you obtain the maximum settlement possible.
They can also help you navigate the intricacies of personal injury laws. The legal team at the Shariff Law Firm believes in fighting to obtain real, relentless results for our clients. Don’t go to battle alone without proper legal support and representation. Call us at 713-881-9739 to schedule a FREE consultation to discuss your claims.