Bus Accident Lawyer in Greenville, NC
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Greenville, NC, you may be overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Whether the accident involved a city bus, school bus, or private transportation company, victims often face serious injuries that change their lives.
A Greenville bus accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve after a bus crash. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges of bus accident claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in North Carolina
Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and in many cases, these crashes are preventable. Understanding the causes of these accidents can help victims determine who may be at fault and how to pursue justice.
Below are some common causes of bus accidents in North Carolina.
- Driver fatigue: Bus drivers may be required to work long shifts, especially on long-distance routes. Fatigue can impair their reaction time and decision-making abilities.
- Distracted driving: Just like other drivers, bus operators can be distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, or even passengers, which can lead to serious crashes.
- Speeding: Buses are heavy vehicles, and speeding increases the likelihood of losing control or being unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Inadequate training: Some accidents occur because bus drivers are not properly trained to handle such large vehicles or specific road conditions.
- Poor bus maintenance: Worn brakes, bald tires, or engine failure due to poor maintenance can lead to mechanical failures on the road.
- Defective parts: Sometimes, the accident results from a manufacturer defect in the bus or one of its components.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads can be especially dangerous for buses, which take longer to stop and are more difficult to maneuver.
- Other drivers’ negligence: Sometimes another motorist’s reckless or negligent behavior causes the bus to crash while trying to avoid a collision.
Who Can Be Liable for a Bus Accident in Greenville, NC?
One of the most complex parts of a bus accident case is determining who is responsible for the crash. In Greenville, NC, several different parties may be liable depending on the circumstances of the accident. Our Greenville bus accident lawyers will carefully investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and build a strong claim.
The Bus Driver
In many cases, the bus driver may be directly responsible for the accident. If the driver was distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigued, or otherwise negligent behind the wheel, they may be held liable. Bus drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly.
The Bus Company
The company that owns or operates the bus may also be liable for your injuries. Bus companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing proper training, and ensuring their vehicles are safe to operate. If the company failed to conduct background checks, allowed a driver with a poor record to continue working, or skipped important maintenance, they could be held responsible.
Under vicarious liability, bus companies can also be held legally responsible if an employee causes a bus crash while performing his/her job.
Manufacturers or Maintenance Companies
Sometimes, the accident was not caused by the driver or company, but by a mechanical failure due to a defective part. If a brake system, tire, steering mechanism, or other component was defective and caused the accident, the manufacturer of the part or bus may be held liable. Similarly, if an outside maintenance company performed poor work that led to the crash, they may also be named in the lawsuit.
Government Agencies
If the bus involved was operated by a city or public school system, a government agency may be responsible. This could include the City of Greenville, NC, Pitt County Schools, or another municipal or state agency.
Suing a government entity is more complex and has additional requirements, such as specific filing deadlines and notice procedures. An experienced Greenville bus accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and file the correct paperwork.
Other Drivers
Bus accidents don’t always happen because of something the bus driver did wrong. In many cases, another driver’s negligence caused the crash. For example, if a car ran a red light and struck the bus, that driver could be held responsible for injuries to everyone on the bus.
In multi-vehicle crashes, it’s common for several drivers to share fault. North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws make these situations particularly tricky, which is why it’s important to work with an experienced attorney.
How a Greenville Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
Bus accident cases can be complex, especially when multiple parties may be responsible and victims are facing serious injuries. An experienced Greenville bus accident lawyer will fight to maximize your compensation and protect your rights.
Hiring a skilled bus accident attorney means you don’t have to deal with the legal system or insurance companies alone. We take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Gathering Evidence
One of the most important steps in any bus accident case is collecting and preserving evidence. This can include police reports, eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and data from the bus’s onboard systems. Our Greenville bus accident attorneys will also consult with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals if needed. Prompt investigation is key, as evidence can disappear or degrade over time.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. Their goal is often to settle your claim for as little money as possible. They may try to downplay your injuries, argue that you were at fault, or delay the process to wear you down. We handle all communication with the insurance companies and fight aggressively to secure a fair settlement that fully covers your damages.
Representing You in Court
While many bus accident claims are resolved through settlements, some cases must go to court. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount or disputes liability, we are fully prepared to represent you at trial. Our experienced Greenville bus accident lawyers know how to present compelling arguments to judges and juries. We are not afraid to take on large bus companies or government entities in court.
Damages in a Bus Crash Claim
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. These damages can be both financial and emotional. A Greenville bus accident lawyer will evaluate the full impact of your injuries and demand compensation that reflects the true extent of your suffering.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover your financial losses. These are usually easy to calculate and may include:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income and wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage (if applicable)
You’ll need documentation like medical bills, pay stubs, and employment records to support these claims. Our legal team helps gather and organize this evidence to build a clear and convincing case.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all damages are financial. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the pain and emotional toll the accident has caused. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of companionship or consortium
These damages are harder to quantify but are just as important. A skilled Greenville bus accident lawyer knows how to demonstrate the true personal impact of the accident and argue for fair compensation.
Punitive Damages
North Carolina allows victims to seek punitive damages in cases of intentional wrongdoing or especially reckless behavior. The purpose is to punish the at-fault party. For example, if a bus driver was drunk or a bus company knowingly allowed an unqualified driver to operate a vehicle, punitive damages may be awarded.
Our bus accident attorneys will evaluate whether your case may qualify.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a bus accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Damages in a wrongful death case may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and care
In North Carolina, wrongful death claims must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. Our team can assist with every aspect of filing and pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Cases Our Bus Accident Attorneys Handle
Below are some of the most common types of bus accident cases we handle in Greenville, NC.
School Bus Accidents
School buses are meant to safely transport children to and from school, but accidents can and do happen. These crashes often involve young students who are especially vulnerable to serious injury. School bus accidents may be caused by driver negligence, lack of maintenance, or even other careless drivers on the road. Our attorneys fight to secure the compensation families deserve.
Public Transportation Accidents
Public buses operated by city or regional transit systems, like Greenville Area Transit (GREAT), are an important part of daily life for many residents. Unfortunately, accidents involving public buses can lead to serious injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
These cases often involve government agencies, which means different legal rules and deadlines apply. Our Greenville bus accident lawyers are experienced in handling public transit claims and know how to take on local and state entities when their negligence leads to harm.
Shuttle and Tour Bus Crashes
Whether you’re riding a hotel shuttle, airport bus, or tour coach, you expect the company operating the vehicle to keep you safe. However, accidents involving shuttles and tour buses can occur due to overworked drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, or company negligence. We work tirelessly to hold careless drivers and companies accountable.
What Is the Deadline for a Bus Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
Time is a critical factor after a bus accident. North Carolina has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, including those involving buses. Missing these deadlines can result in your case being dismissed, no matter how strong it is.
Even if you have time before the legal deadline, it’s best to contact a Greenville bus accident attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost, witnesses can become harder to find, and insurance companies may already be working to weaken your claim.
Statute of Limitations
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within three years, or you may lose your right to seek compensation. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death.
Some exceptions can affect the time limit. For example, if a minor is injured, the statute of limitations may be paused until the victim turns 18.
Claims Against Government Organizations
If your accident involved a city bus, school bus, or other government-operated vehicle, additional rules may apply. You may need to file a formal notice of claim within a shorter period, sometimes within months of the accident. These rules can be confusing and vary depending on the agency involved.
How Much Does a Greenville Bus Accident Attorney Cost?
One of the most common concerns accident victims have is how much it will cost to hire a lawyer. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we handle auto accident cases on a contingency fee basis.
You don’t pay anything upfront when you hire a Greenville bus accident lawyer from our firm. We only get paid if we win your case or secure a settlement. This allows everyone to access experienced legal representation, no matter their financial situation.
Contact Our Bus Accident Lawyers in Greenville, NC
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Greenville, NC, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building a strong case on your behalf. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we’re committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our team offers free consultations, and there’s no obligation to move forward unless you choose to. Call 864-561-6247 or contact our law firm online to schedule your free case review.
