If you suffered injuries in a Huntsville bus accident, you may be able to recover compensation based on the losses you incurred because of the crash. This is possible by holding the bus driver and their employer accountable. The Huntsville bus accident lawyers at Morris Bart may be able to help.
Our bus accident lawyers work with bus passengers and drivers of cars involved in the collision. We provide complimentary case reviews and will discuss your collision, injuries, and options for pursuing compensation during your free consultation.
Recovering Compensation After a Bus Crash and Injuries
Victims of bus accidents may be able to recover compensation by filing an insurance claim or going to trial and asking the judge for a court award. Generally, recovering these damages depends on the value of the costs incurred by the victim due to the collision.
Examples of recoverable damages include:
- Current treatment and related expenses
- Future medical costs, including care and support
- Lost income for time away from work
- Diminished earning ability
- Property damages
- Additional costs
- Pain and suffering
What if My Child Was Hurt in a Bus Accident?
When it comes to child safety, school buses are generally safer than driving your child to school. But unfortunately, accidents can occur. The process of pursuing damages after your child suffered injuries in a bus accident is the same as it would be if you were the victim.
However, some different rules may apply because of the age of your child and the likelihood their injuries occurred on a public school bus.
Our team can still review your options and will explain the civil codes that could apply to your child’s injury case. We may be able to help you navigate the process and seek compensation for your family’s losses.
What if I Lost a Family Member Because of Their Bus Collision Injuries?
Alabama has somewhat unique laws when it comes to pursuing damages in a wrongful death case. Under Ala. Code § 6-5-410, surviving family members can only recover punitive damages based on their loved one’s death.
This means the damages in a wrongful death suit will depend on the court award granted by the judge instead of the family’s incurred costs.
For a free legal consultation with a Bus Accident lawyer serving Huntsville, call (256) 666-3010
Who Is Liable in My Huntsville Bus Collision Case?
Our Huntsville injury and accident attorneys at Morris Bart know how to identify the liable party or parties in a bus accident case and develop an argument to prove it. Liability in these cases can be somewhat complicated because the legal doctrine of respondeat superior often applies.
This doctrine, confirmed in case law by the Alabama Supreme Court in St. Louis-San Francisco Ry. Co. v. Robbins, allows us to hold the employer of the negligent bus driver vicariously liable. This means we pursue damages from the bus company, as well.
The liable parties in your crash will depend on the type of bus involved. This could include:
- Huntsville Orbit buses
- Other City of Huntsville public transit vehicles
- University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) Campus route buses
- Greyhound buses
- Huntsville City Schools buses
- Madison County School District buses
- Charter buses
- Party buses
- Privately owned coaches
Another important factor in some bus accident cases is that one of the liable parties is a municipal government, county government, or a government agency. Special rules often apply to pursuing a case against government entities, so you must consider this when you think about how long you have to act and the necessary steps.
Our team can help you better understand your options and necessary actions during your free case consultation.
Timelines May Vary Depending on the Circumstances of Your Huntsville Bus Crash
Under the Alabama statute of limitations on personal injuries, Ala. Code § 6-2-38, and the state’s wrongful death laws, you likely have up to two years to begin a lawsuit against the bus driver and/or their employer.
However, exceptions to these rules exist. These include:
- If the victim is a minor, such as a child riding a school bus
- If the defendant is a municipal or county government or a government agency
These or other situations could alter how long you have to seek compensation. Contact a Huntsville bus accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash to learn more about the timeline that will apply in your case. You do not want to run out of time and miss your opportunity to hold the at-fault party responsible.
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Morris Bart Injury and Accident Lawyers Help Bus Accident Victims Secure Financial Recovery
At Morris Bart, we use our more than 40 years of experience with Huntsville personal injury law to serve our clients and seek the compensation they need to pay for the costs they incurred. We protect their rights and pursue damages on their behalf. This could be possible through:
- An insurance claim and negotiating a fair and just settlement with the insurer
- A civil trial with the outcome determined by a judge and jury
We are a contingency fee legal firm operating in locations across the Gulf South. We serve clients throughout our four-state service areas including, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
We were able to secure compensation for more than 6,500 clients in 2019. This included many cases based on traffic accident injuries. Some involved bus collisions. Recent results involving large vehicles include:
- $490,000 in a Hattiesburg, MS commercial vehicle accident that caused neck and back injuries
- $337,500 for a truck collision that caused traumatic brain injuries and fractures of the neck and a vertebra in Texarkana, AR
It may be possible for our bus accident attorneys in Huntsville to help with your claim or lawsuit. We manage these cases for accident victims regularly. Learn more about our services by connecting with our team for a free consultation.
Speak With an Attorney About Your Rights and Options as Soon as Possible
The Morris Bart law office offers free case reviews for bus accident victims in Huntsville and greater Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties. We provide these consultations by appointment only.
You can reach our office today by phone or through our online contact form for your free consultation with one of our bus accident attorneys in Huntsville.
Questions?Call (256) 666-3010
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
