Traveling by bus is considered to be safe, but if a bus accident occurs, it can often cause serious injuries to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman is the powerhouse personal injury law firm to call.
We have a demonstrated track record of success in bus accident claims and will fight to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our firm handles all injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we obtain compensation for you. Contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.
Factors Involved in North Mississippi Bus Accidents
Buses are not required to be equipped with seat belts because they feature compartmentalized, high-back seats and elevated seating locations that are said to make buses safer than passenger vehicles. Nonetheless, passengers are at risk of serious injuries in a collision. Bus accidents involving smaller vehicles or pedestrians can also have catastrophic consequences.
Several factors contribute to bus accidents, including:
- Distracted driving – Bus drivers can become distracted by talking to passengers, or using smartphones or GPS navigation devices; distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic collisions.
- Speeding – Bus drivers often speed through traffic because they must meet strict schedules and may be penalized for falling behind their timetable.
- Driver fatigue – Bus drivers often work long shifts, navigate heavy traffic, and cover long distances. These factors increase the risk of driver fatigue, which can impact a bus driver’s ability to maneuver the bus or respond to traffic conditions.
- DUI – Driving a bus under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a serious risk to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
- Improper Maintenance – Bus companies and municipalities that operate bus systems that fail to properly maintain their vehicles can be held liable for accidents caused by faulty braking systems, lights, and other mechanical parts.
- Mechanical defects – Bus manufacturers and parts suppliers can be held liable for product defects.
No matter the cause of the bus accident that resulted in your injuries, we have the skills and experience to identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Types of Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Lacerations and bruises
- Broken bones
- Neck and head injuries
- Muscle and ligament tears
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Organ damage
- Loss of limb
- Wrongful death
Some injuries can require emergency medical care and extensive treatment; severe injuries may be life-altering. With so much at stake, it is crucial to have an experienced bus accident attorney help you obtain the medical and financial resources you need, now and in the future.
Determining Liability in a Bus Accident
Bus accidents in Mississippi can be complicated because there may be several liable parties involved, including:
- Bus drivers – A bus driver may be found negligent for failing to operate the bus in a manner reasonably expected of commercial bus drivers by texting while driving, failing to obey traffic signals, speeding, driving while intoxicated, or otherwise acting in a manner that falls below the expected standard of care.
- Private bus companies – A private bus company may be held vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of its drivers, as well as its negligent actions, such as failing to properly maintain the bus.
- Public entities – Accidents involving city buses are complicated. Because public transit is funded by the government, you must first file a notice of claim with the public entity that manages the bus system before you can file a lawsuit. While school buses are also government-funded, they are typically operated by private contractors. If your child was injured in a bus accident, the school district, the bus operator, and the driver may be held liable for accidents caused by negligence.
- Bus manufacturers – A bus manufacturer may be liable for accidents resulting from a manufacturing or design defect through a product liability lawsuit.
- Other drivers – Another motorist may have caused or contributed to the bus accident, which means your claim may involve that driver, the bus driver, and the operator.
Let Our Firm Handle Your Claim
Being injured in a bus accident can be overwhelming and confusing with so many details to sort out. Our lawyers will conduct an extensive investigation, identify the responsible parties, and help you obtain just compensation. While no two bus accident claims are the same, you may be awarded economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitative costs
- Present and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability/disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We are not only relentless personal injury lawyers but caring people who will stand by you every step of the way and fight to protect your rights.
Contact the Bus Accident Lawyers at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bus accident, turn to Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, the experienced choice in personal injury law. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.
Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman helps those who have been injured in a bus accident throughout Northern Mississippi including the cities of Southaven and Hernando as well as the counties of DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tunica.
