Bus Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident in Raleigh, NC, you may be facing serious medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. Whether the accident involved a city bus, school bus, charter bus, or shuttle, the impact can be life-changing. You need an experienced Raleigh bus accident lawyer to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we understand that bus accident cases are often complex. They may involve multiple liable parties, large transportation companies, and powerful insurance carriers. Our legal team has the knowledge and resources to stand up for your rights and guide you through the legal process with care and confidence.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation!
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can happen for many reasons, and understanding what caused your crash is a crucial step in building a strong legal case. Our Raleigh bus accident lawyers can identify all potentially liable parties and pursue the maximum compensation.
Driver Error or Negligence
Bus drivers are expected to operate with a high level of caution and responsibility. However, mistakes still happen. Some common driver-related causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
- Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Improper Bus Maintenance
Buses require regular inspections and maintenance to remain safe. If a company or transit agency fails to properly maintain its fleet, the result can be devastating. Common maintenance failures include:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Steering issues
- Broken lights or signals
Poor Weather or Road Conditions
Rain, fog, and icy roads can create hazardous driving conditions. Buses are large, heavy vehicles, and they require more time and space to stop. Poor weather conditions combined with driver error can easily lead to a crash.
Other Drivers on the Road
Sometimes, another vehicle causes the crash. A reckless or distracted car driver might cut off a bus, force it to swerve, or cause a multi-vehicle collision. In such cases, multiple parties may share liability.
Defective Bus Parts or Equipment
If a mechanical part on the bus, such as the brakes, steering column, or tires, was defective when it left the manufacturer, the company that made or sold the part might be held responsible for the accident.
Why You Need a Raleigh Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents often involve more legal complications than typical car crashes. When you’re injured in a bus accident, you may be dealing with a city government, a school district, a private bus company, or a third-party driver. Trying to navigate all this on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury.
Here’s why hiring a Raleigh bus accident lawyer is crucial.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Will Build a Strong Case
Evidence is the foundation of any successful personal injury case. Your Raleigh bus accident lawyer will move quickly to preserve important evidence before it can be lost or destroyed. This includes obtaining police reports, video footage from nearby traffic or security cameras, and maintenance records for the bus. They will also interview witnesses while memories are still fresh and consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
Bus Accident Attorneys Determine Who Is At Fault
Figuring out who is legally responsible for a bus wreck isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault party could be:
- The bus driver
- The bus company or transit agency
- A school district (in the case of a school bus)
- Another driver
- A parts manufacturer or maintenance contractor
Our Raleigh bus accident attorneys investigate thoroughly to determine all liable parties, which increases your chances of receiving full compensation.
Lawyers Deal With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t reflect the true value of your claim. Our Raleigh bus accident lawyers understand these tactics and will negotiate aggressively to ensure you don’t accept less than you deserve.
A Bus Wreck Lawyer Can Represent You in Court
Your Raleigh bus accident attorney will be prepared to represent you in a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement. While most cases settle out of court, sometimes going to trial is the best or only way to achieve justice.
What to Do After a Bus Crash in Raleigh, NC
What you do in the minutes, hours, and days after a bus accident can have a big impact on your health and your legal case. Follow these important steps.
Call 911
Make sure emergency responders are on the scene. Police will file an official report, which will be important evidence in your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay at first, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records will also help prove your injuries later.
Document Everything
If you’re physically able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage. Get the names and contact info of witnesses and other passengers. If it’s a city bus, note the bus number, route, and driver’s name.
Do Not Sign Anything
Insurance companies may try to get you to sign forms or make recorded statements. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer
The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building your case.
Compensation in a Raleigh Bus Accident Case
Victims of bus accidents often suffer serious injuries that result in financial strain, physical pain, and emotional trauma. A skilled Raleigh bus accident lawyer can help you seek full and fair compensation for the damages you’ve experienced.
Medical Expenses
You can be compensated for all medical costs related to the accident, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Medical equipment (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.)
If your injuries require long-term treatment or future surgeries, your lawyer will factor those costs into your bus accident claim.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
You can seek damages for lost wages if you miss work while recovering. In more serious cases where you’re unable to return to your previous job or work at all, you may also claim compensation for your reduced ability to earn income in the future.
Property Damage
If you were driving your vehicle and it was damaged in a collision with a bus, you can also recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Pain and Suffering
These are non-economic damages meant to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. Pain and suffering may include:
- Chronic pain
- Depression or anxiety
- PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Punitive Damages
In cases where the bus driver, bus company, or another party acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
North Carolina law limits punitive damages to $250,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages (economic plus non-economic damages), whichever is greater. However, this cap on punitive damages doesn’t apply to DUI accident cases.
Wrongful Death
If a loved one was killed in a bus accident, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Bus Collision in North Carolina?
Bus accidents are different from typical car crashes because there may be more than one person or company at fault. Understanding who is responsible is a key part of your case. In North Carolina, several parties could be legally responsible for a bus crash, depending on how the accident happened.
The Bus Driver
Bus drivers must operate their vehicles safely. If the driver was speeding, distracted, tired, under the influence, or simply made a poor decision, they could be at fault. Even small mistakes can lead to serious accidents when a large bus is involved.
The Bus Company
Bus companies are often responsible for their drivers’ actions. This is called vicarious liability, where an employer is legally responsible for the actions of their employees.
The bus company may also be at fault if it:
- Failed to train the driver properly
- Didn’t perform routine inspections or repairs
- Hired someone with a poor driving record
Government Agencies
If the bus involved in the crash is owned or run by a government agency, such as a city transit bus or a public school bus, you may need to file a claim against a government body like the City of Raleigh or a local school district.
Claims against the government have special rules, including shorter deadlines. You usually must file a “notice of claim” quickly, or you could lose your right to sue. This is one reason it’s important to speak with a Raleigh bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
A Parts Manufacturer or Maintenance Company
If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, like faulty brakes, a tire blowout, or steering problems, the manufacturer of the defective part may be liable. In other cases, a company hired to maintain or inspect the bus may have done a poor job or skipped important repairs.
Car Drivers
Sometimes, another driver, not the bus driver, is the one who caused the crash. A reckless or distracted driver could cut off the bus, run a red light, or cause a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
How Much Does a Raleigh Bus Accident Attorney Cost?
At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you.
If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This system allows everyone, no matter their financial situation, to have access to skilled legal representation. You have enough to worry about after a bus accident. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
Talk to a Raleigh Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. You shouldn’t have to navigate the legal system alone while trying to recover from serious injuries. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, our dedicated Raleigh bus accident lawyers are here to fight for you every step of the way.
We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Call us today at 864-561-6247 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
