Articles, Personal Injury
When to Call a Virginia Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents can result in devastating injuries, costly medical bills, and extreme stress. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to determine who’s at fault or who you should seek damages from.
Depending on the circumstances, and extent of your injuries, you may need the legal support of an experienced bus accident attorney to help you hold liable parties responsible – But when should you call an attorney, exactly?
Continue reading to learn the tale-tell signs that it’s time to consult with a bus accident lawyer in Virginia.
If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Sharif Gray has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
Bus Accident Crash Statistics
According to the latest data gathered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2021, there were 5,904 large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes. That was an 18-percent increase from 2020 and large truck and bus fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by all motor vehicles increased from 0.176 to 0.191.
Further, between 2020 and 2021 the number of large trucks involved in injury crashes increased by 11 percent, from 105,000 to 117,000. We’re still awaiting bus crash statistics from 2022 and beyond, but we will furnish them as they become available.
Virginia School Bus Accident Statistics
These kinds of accidents don’t just happen to commercial vehicles. In fact, there are hundreds of crashes that result in school bus accident claims every year in VA. According to the Virginia Department of Education, there were 287 bus collisions across the state in the 2022 – 2023 school year.
These accidents resulted in 1 death and 45 accident injuries. That said, if you or your child has suffered a serious injury due to a school bus accident, you may be entitled to seek damages. Contact us today to speak with a VA school bus accident lawyer you can trust.
What Causes Virginia Bus Accidents?
Virginia’s terrain varies and features mountainous winding roads, bustling city streets, and high-traffic suburbs – Which is why more than 84% of all VA crashes happen on non-interstate roads. There are times when the weather, road conditions, and the like play a role in bus accidents. However, in many cases, these collisions are the result of driver error (i.e., speeding, distracted driving, improper operation, etc.) or negligence on behalf of the bus company.
Driver Error
All bus drivers are trained well enough to handle these large vehicles. However, when they make dangerous mistakes, it can cause catastrophic accidents.
A few of the most common fatal bus driver errors include but aren’t limited to:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving and falling asleep behind the wheel
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a negligent driver, you may be entitled to recover maximum compensation. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.
Bus Company Or School Board Negligence
When bus companies or school boards fail to adequately maintain their vehicles, an otherwise easy to fix defect can put passengers in danger. In cases where neglect leads to injury, they can (and should) be held responsible for their actions. For example, suppose a poorly trained employee causes a bus crash. In that case, the bus company or school system could be liable for all injuries and damages caused.
Third-Party Fault
Bus drivers, school boards, and companies aren’t always responsible for collisions. Sometimes, these accidents are caused by other drivers on the road – Which could be due to recklessness, carelessness, and more. In cases involving third-parties, it’s absolutely critical to consult with an attorney to ensure you seek damages from the right party.
The Role of a Virginia Bus Accident Attorney
In the aftermath of a bus collision, dealing with insurers, filing claims, examining evidence, etc. while recovering physically can be overwhelming. Working with an attorney can alleviate a lot of stress and tremendously increase your chances of recovering fair compensation for your damages. Learn more below.
How An Attorney Can Support You
Excellent legal representation isn’t just about advice. It’s about working with a law firm that has the tools, knowledge and experience to handle your case from beginning to end while you focus on recovering your health.
Generally, when you hire a seasoned lawyer to handle your claim, you can expect:
- A thorough investigation of your bus crash claim
- Eyewitness identification, vetting, and interviews
- Collection and preservation of key evidence
- Case evaluations that take into account the full extent of your injuries
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Representation at trial, if necessary
In many cases, bus and large truck accidents cause serious injuries, potentially even death. Working with the best personal injury lawyers in VA not only gives you peace of mind, but it also greatly increases your chances of winning your case.
Call Our VA Bus Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries in a bus accident due to the fault of another person/entity, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your damages.
Our bus and truck crash attorneys in Virginia are here to help you through the process every step of the way. That includes assessing the viability of your claim, determining fault, negotiating with insurers, and taking your case to trial when necessary.
Don’t wait until the statute of limitations expires or the evidence trail goes cold. Contact RVA Trial Lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation with a lawyer you can trust.
“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”
We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.
Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:
- Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
- Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
- Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.
We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.
If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
